Dubai: Godolphin’s Ispolini is among 19 entries for the £50,000 Blue Riband Trial, the highlight of the Investec Spring Meeting on April 25, as Epsom Downs stages its first races of the 2018 season.
The trial for the Group 1 Epsom Derby, which is run over 10 furlongs, has been promoted to Listed status this year and also has a new name.
This year’s renewal of the race will be run in memory of the late Anthony Cane who was chairman of Epsom Downs Racecourse from 2008 until 2016.
The Trial offers the winner a wildcard entry for the £1.5 million Derby provided he or she are not already entered or a gelding.
The 2017 winner of the Trial, Cracksman, ended the year as the highest-rated horse in Europe following his devastating victory in the Group 1 Champion Stakes.
Cracksman’s trainer John Gosden, who has won the last three editions of race, has four promising colts among the 19 entries.
The quartet includes the Photographer, successful on his only start at Chelmsford City in November, and Khalid Abdullah’s Crossed Baton, who got the better of highly-regarded rival Tigre Du Terre in a novice event at Kempton Park on March 31. Hipster Boy and Corelli, both winners on the All-Weather, are also in for the Clarehaven handler.
Chilean (Martyn Meade) sets the standard with a rating of 106, following his decisive victory in the G3 Prix La Force over nine furlongs at Longchamp, France, on April 8.
There is likely to be a cosmopolitan feel to this year’s race, with horses from France and Ireland among the entries.
Top French handler Andre Fabre is planning to run Rabdan. The son of Frankel created a big impression on his comeback at Saint Cloud on April 4, when taking a 12-furlong maiden by nine lengths on testing ground. Owned by Al Shaqab Racing, he was added to the Investec Derby at the second entry stage on April 3.
Leopardstown maiden winner James Cook, who is a full-brother to top-class racemare Found, is one of three entries for Ireland’s champion Flat trainer Aidan O’Brien. Stablemates Hunting Horn and Zabriskie are also engaged.
Mark Johnston has two possible runners in Dee Ex Bee and Lynwood Gold. Dee Ex Bee has already gained a wildcard entry for the Investec Derby by winning the Totepool Conditions Race over an extended mile at Epsom Downs in September.
Newmarket trainer George Margarson is set to saddle the progressive Technological, who does not have an entry in the Derby.
Margarson said: “Technological is in good form. We are very happy with him at home and he is a very nice horse.
“He has been a very progressive horse and has come into his own this year.
“Technological has good form over a mile and won nicely when stepped up to a mile and a half last time last time.
“We feel the move from the All-Weather to the grass will suit him and further his development.
“Hopefully, he has got a great chance in the race and we are looking forward to running.”
The six-race card at the Spring Meeting also features the £50,000 Investec City & Suburban Handicap (3.55pm, 1m 2f, 18 entries) and the £25,000 Investec Corporate Banking Great Metropolitan Handicap (3.20pm, 1m 4f, 29 entries).
The going at Epsom Downs is currently Good (Good to Soft in places on the Derby course).
It has been dry since Wednesday of last week and is set to remain that way until the start of next week. Cooler temperatures are expected from Sunday.
