Tactical Winter Derby could expose flaws in hot favourite Bangkok

Betway Winter Derby Stakes (Group 3) | 1m2f | ITV4/SKY

From appearing a John Gosden benefit a few weeks ago, the Betway Winter Derby took on a very different shape after the course-record-breaking success of the Andrew Balding-trained Bangkok on his all-weather debut in the trial here early this month.

With Gosden's Court House easily brushed aside that day, that trainer ups the ante by adding another runner to the mix in Dubai Warrior, who also made short work of his stablemate in a Listed contest at the track in December.

Watch: Bangkok smash the track record at Lingfield

Making direct time comparisons on the all-weather can be a mistake as surfaces often ride differently from one day to the next but Bangkok covered the course over a second and a half quicker than Dubai Warrior, which is not only food for thought but will almost certainly dictate how this race unfolds tactically.

Knowing the BHA 115-rated, Group 3-winning son of Australia looks a monster off a strong pace, it will surely be in his rivals' interests to ensure there isn't one. The first piece of that jigsaw fits in nicely as the field lacks an out-and-out front-runner.

Court House, who made a lot of the running when second in last year's race, will presumably be asked to employ those tactics for the first time this season in a bid to dictate a steady tempo that could level the playing field somewhat.

Court House (green) finished second in the Winter Derby last yearCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Bangkok may prove just as effective off a slow pace but he had enough stamina to finish runner-up to Japan over a mile and a half at Royal Ascot last year and it would at least ask him a different question than in the trial.

Regardless of how the race pans out tactically it will be a surprise if one of the big two doesn't win, with Dalgarno, Pactolus and Master The World all well beaten by not only Bangkok but also Court House in the trial.

Entangling, the other runner, has a turn of foot and, as a winner over a mile as recently as November, should be suited by a slow pace. But he's biting off much more than he can chew in this company.

Analysis by Pietro Innocenzi

Balding hope Bang in form

Andrew Balding is full of hope Bangkok can pass his first major examination of the year by justifying likely odds-on favouritism.

The King Power Racing-owned four-year-old started as short as 9-1 for the Derby last summer but proved unsuited by the undulations of Epsom and trailed in twelfth of 13 behind Anthony Van Dyck.

He was seen in a much better light when runner-up in York's Group 3 Strensall Stakes in August and arguably produced a career-best performance to land the Listed Winter Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield this month.

"He won his Listed race well, and I’m very happy with him," said Balding. "He's a class act."

Big-race targets for later in the year are not yet set in stone but victory in the Winter Derby would certainly represent a cracking start to the campaign.

"This is a big enough target for the time being," said Balding. "The races at Lingfield can be a bit muddling but hopefully he has the tactical ability to run a decent race."

John Gosden, winner of the race last year courtesy of Wissahickon, appears to field the biggest threat to Bangkok in the form of Dubai Warrior, the mount of Frankie Dettori, who takes his first ride in Britain this year.

Although the four-year-old has 4lb to find with the market leader in terms of official ratings, he is clearly progressive.

"Dubai Warrior is in good form and it has always been the plan to come here after his win in a Listed race there in December," said Gosden.

"He seems to be maturing with age and goes there with a good chance in what looks a strong renewal of the race. Bangkok sets the standard."

Gosden is also represented by last year's runner-up Court House, who boasts course form figures of 1132622.

"He certainly knows his way round Lingfield," said the trainer.

Ben Curtis, who has been in flying form throughout the winter, partners Dalgarno for Jane Chapple-Hyam, while David Elsworth is represented by Entangling and Master The World.

The Stuart Williams-trained Pactolus completes a seven-strong line-up.

Reporting by Richard Birch

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