Hazaz to show what he's made of at Lingfield

Dubai: Hazaz, who holds entries for some of the season's most prestigious races, will bid to exhibit his big-race credentials in tomorrow's Betfred Derby Trial Stakes (G3) at Lingfield.

The Clive Brittain-trained three-year-old has yet to show his true potential, although two second place efforts have hinted at better things to come.

Although not quite the definitive prep-race for Epsom, the Trial's timing has been the key, with England's blue riband contest just three weeks down the road.

However, the Group Three contest has been switched to the polytrack due to the prevailing poor ground conditions at the Surrey track.

Given the fact that the race has also thrown up eight Derby winners in the past, the first in 1932 (Fifth) and the most recent in 1998 (High Rise), Brittain will be hoping that Hazaz can put in a strong effort should he aspire to stay in contention for races like the Derby Italiano, St James's Palace Stakes, King Edward VII Stakes or the Tattersalls Millions.

Hazaz is owned by Dubai businessman Saeed Manana and races under the banner of Rabbah Bloodstock. Among the leading contenders in today's mile and four contest are the unbeaten Main Sequence and Ed De Gas.

Key role

David Lanigan's Main Sequence notched two comfortable victories as a juvenile and won a competitive Newmarket handicap on his seasonal return in April under seven-time UAE champion jockey Ted Durcan. He has looked like a progressive type and should play a key role in today's race.

Ed De Gas, trained by Rae Guest at Newmarket, won twice during the all-weather season including over ten furlongs at Lingfield.

Another horse with a leading chance would have to be Richard Hannon's Rougemont who landed the lucrative £250,000 (Dh1.48 million) Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Trophy at Newmarket where he beat Mickdan by half a length.