Derby hope Waldkonig to miss Epsom after defeat to stablemate Mishriff

It was an up and down day for John Gosden when it came to his Derby hopefuls.

Waldkonig, a big mover in the ante-post market for the season's premier Classic before his much-awaited reappearance, was instantly ruled out of the Epsom showpiece after disappointing when an odds-on third in the Listed Newmarket Stakes.

Gosden landed the 1m2f contest with second string Mishriff, and there was more soothing viewing for the reigning champion trainer at Newcastle in the form of one-time Guineas fancy Palace Pier, who looked every inch a Group horse in a handicap when powering clear to land the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap 15 minutes later.

That Gosden sees Waldkonig's conqueror as a Hampton Court hope says much about how disappointed he was by the half-brother to Arc winner Waldgeist.

David Egan: rode Newmarket Stakes winner MishriffCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gosden said: "Waldkonig was very green leaving the gate and he was very short of experience on grass, having won his maiden on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

"He was a bit unsuited by the Dip when he changed his legs a few times and he shaped as if he needed the race up the hill. We're not even thinking about Epsom after that and he won't be going further than a mile and a quarter in future."

Mishriff was priced up at 20-1 for the Investec Derby after his second career success but will head to Royal Ascot.

Gosden added: "That was no surprise as Mishriff had run well in Saudi Arabia in February and found the ground and trip perfect for him. We'll have a look at the Hampton Court after that."

Gosden's Newcastle winner Palace Pier may prove an able enough substitute. His price now ranges from 12-1 to 20-1 for the Derby after the unbeaten colt stayed on powerfully to readily defeat Acquitted.

Watch Palace Pier win impressively at Newcastle

The trainer's son Thady confirmed it was his last start in such company and said: "The second is a good horse, they like him a lot, and it was pleasing to see them pull clear of the rest. Palace Pier was fairly asleep for most of the race but when he got the hang of things at the end he picked up very nicely.

"He should improve fitness-wise and mentally. I think the reason he came here was because he was not yet really in the zone properly. He'll probably go into stakes races now."

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets