Balding cool on Derby tilt after Tango waltzes to trial victory at Kempton

Andrew Balding already has one live Classic contender in leading Qipco 2,000 Guineas hope Kameko and, while stablemate Berlin Tango still has some way to go to scale similar heights, there was plenty to like about his victory in the Unibet Classic Trial at Kempton.

An overdue first trial of the season for three-year-olds with potential Classic aspirations, the 1m2f Group 3 brought together an intriguing mix of potential improvers but it was the runner with the most experience behind him who ran out a convincing winner.

Balding, who had put the finishing touches to Kameko's preparation for Saturday's Guineas only hours earlier, admitted it would be a "brave shout" to head to the Investec Derby but will be aiming high after this comeback win.

"He would need to be supplemented for the Derby and that would be a brave shout," said Balding. "We'll probably look at something at Ascot for him if it does not come too soon and he should have a very good summer because he's a smart horse."

Victory completed a double on the card for Balding after the success of Never Dark in the 5f handicap and was a third winner for the yard since racing resumed on Monday.

He added: "Touch wood the general fitness levels and wellbeing are there and it's just nice to get a couple of winners on the board. Kameko just sat upsides this morning and looked in good nick."

Andrew Balding: 'It's nice to get a couple of winners on the board'Credit: Edward Whitaker

David Probert has partnered all three of Balding's winners and there was no hiding his affection for the George Strawbridge-owned Berlin Tango.

"He's definitely one for the future," said the rider, creeping closer to his 1,000th career winner. "He overraced slightly at one point but it didn't stop him and he's definitely grown up from last year.

"I'm sure he'll stay a mile and a half with that freshness out of him. He's well balanced so a course like Epsom could suit him but there are plenty of other options if that's not the case. You have to be pretty special to do it like that after pulling mid-race."

The winner was given a quote of 33-1 with Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power for the Derby.

Hypothetical, the mount of Frankie Dettori and trained by John Gosden, was the big plunge in the race but the 15-8 favourite was beaten with a furlong to run and could manage only fourth.

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