'It feels great to do it twice' - Saratoga Gold lands second Derby for Hills

Sunday: Epsom

Saratoga Gold thrived once more over the iconic mile and a half at Epsom by winning the Apprentices' Derby.

The four-year-old was held up early by Owen Lewis, who made a sweeping move around Tattenham Corner and quickened away in the straight, before fending off a late surge from Dundory.

It was a third win in a row for Saratoga Gold and a second over the course and distance, following his victory in last month's Amateurs' Derby.

Winning trainer Charlie Hills was full of praise for his Epsom-loving charge and said: "It feels great to do it twice. He’s on a good run and has gone up in the weights as a result, so I’m really pleased with today.

"I’m delighted for Owen, he’s been working hard and gave Saratoga Gold a great ride."

It completed a superb weekend for the Hills yard following three wins on Saturday, including the Goffs Million at the Curragh.

Hills added: "It’s wonderful having horses in good form. At times it’s not so easy and other times it all goes perfectly; hopefully we can keep it going till the end of the year."

Derby clues?

Ndaawi holds an entry in next month's Group 1 Vertem Futurity Stakes at Doncaster and gained an automatic entry to next year's Derby with a gutsy win in the 1m½f conditions stakes – his second victory from three starts.

It was the first leg of a double for trainer Andrew Balding, capped off by Nobel defying a 291-day layoff to win the 1m2f novice stakes under Cieren Fallon.

Results, replays and analysis

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