Cape offers hope for Derby Trial but will need more for the real thing

The revitalised Blue Riband Trial is having more of an impact on the Derby picture these days, and this edition looked a decent race, although it did not instantly strike you as Classic form.

Cape Of Good Hope was not a flashy winner, but he gained invaluable Epsom experience and will love an extra couple of furlongs, being a brother to Highland Reel, who had few peers at a mile and a half. He is certainly more of a stayer than his namesake, who won the Golden Jubilee at York in 2005.

At this stage it is anyone's guess what the order of merit among Aidan O'Brien's colts is, and Ballydoyle have ten Derby candidates currently quoted at the same price or shorter than Cape Of Good Hope. He is an improving and likeable colt, though, who will be worth his place in the field should he be given the green light. It is likely he will run again before the decision is made, however.