'He's a nice horse and one to follow' - exciting three-year-old downs red-hot 1-4 favourite for owner-trainer Alan King

Alan King may own and train Alcarath, but he was not on hand to see the sizeable three-year-old down the 1-4 favourite Gamrai in the 1m2f novice.

There will be chasers in King's yard at a height and reach disadvantage to the rangy son of Acclamation, who put that long stride to good use in coming home eight and a half lengths clear.

Winning rider Rossa Ryan said: "He's a big customer. He composed himself well, was still pretty raw for a three-year-old, and he'll have a nice future next year."

King's assistant Robin Smith was on hand and added: "That was a nice performance. We've always liked him and it's just nice to see him progress because we thought he was capable of a performance like that.

"Rossa got off him and said he's still a big baby, he's got plenty to learn, but he's a nice horse and one to follow, I think.

"We were very much taking it race by race with him. I don't know if he'll carry a penalty now or go into a handicap, I haven't discussed it with the boss. We'll see."

Legend honoured

Alcarath may not be the only runner on Sunday's card whose future is over obstacles. The winner of the 1m4f Apprentices' Derby, run in honour of Epsom and Derby legend Geoff Lewis, who was laid to rest on Thursday, is another who could have hurdles in his future.

The Apprentices' Derby at Epsom's season finale was run in honour of Geoff Lewis, who famously won the Derby aboard Mill ReefCredit: Corbis via Getty Images

The Gary and Josh Moore-trained 8-11 favourite Give It To Me Oj won convincingly under 5lb claimer Ashley Lewis, who said: "He does everything so easily, he's a very talented horse. He's one to look out for this jumps season."

Lewis's family were guests of Epsom, where he famously won the 1971 Derby on Mill Reef before training in the area for many years after his riding career.

Derby entry

Shayem will, as part of winning the Betfred Derby 'Wild Card' EBF Conditions Stakes, gain entry to next year's Classic when the entries close in February.

A win and you're in for the Betfred Derby, the race attracted only three runners and the Karl Burke-trained 13-8 shot downed even-money favourite Alfaraz.

Shayem, who had been third in a Listed race at Haydock last time behind Royal Lodge winner Bow Echo and the highly touted Publish, made light work of his two rivals to win by two and a quarter lengths under Pierre-Louis Jamin.

Sweet success

Marco Ghiani's Haribo-clutching sons were delighted after their father won the opening 7f nursery, although that could be because it was the rider of 7-4 favourite Galileo Island who had provided the victory sweets.

Ghiani's two boys were later spotted charming television royalty Clare Balding, who was on course to sign copies of her new book Pastures New.

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