Tag Archive for: Derby Trial

Waterlogging forces all-weather switch for Lingfield’s Classic trials

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Lingfield has been forced to transfer Saturday’s Derby Trial card to the all-weather after waterlogging left the turf track unraceable.

The card also includes the Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes and the Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes, with the latter race and the Derby Trial now set to be run over a mile and four furlongs due to the switch, rather than half a furlong short of the Classic distance.

Heavy rainfall in the area has taken its toll on the ground and more wet weather is forecast, causing track officials and the British Horseracing Authority to move the card on to the all-weather as any improvement in conditions is now improbable.

A statement from the BHA read: “The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed that Saturday’s card at Lingfield Park will be staged on the all-weather.

English King winning the Lingfield Derby Trial in markedly different conditions in 2020
English King winning the Lingfield Derby Trial in markedly different conditions in 2020 (Megan Ridgwell/PA)

“A BHA inspection of the course on Wednesday morning found the turf track to be unraceable due to waterlogging.

“It is considered unlikely that conditions will have improved sufficiently by Saturday to allow any races to take place on the turf safely.

“Therefore, also taking into account the weather forecast suggesting further rain, the BHA has made the decision to switch the surface at this time to offer certainty for connections to confirm their running plans.”

All existing entries at the meeting will be cancelled with the races re-opened until noon on Thursday for new entries, prior to 24-hour declarations at 10am on Friday.

Waipiro could try again to book Derby ticket at Lingfield

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Waipiro is a possible for the Lingfield Derby Trial after his Newmarket bid was scuppered on the way to the start.

The Ed Walker-trained Australia colt, who is a half-brother to Hong Kong hero Waikuku, was set to be an intriguing runner at Headquarters after a taking seasonal debut over course and distance late last month.

The Listed Newmarket Stakes was an intended stepping stone to the Betfred Derby – but Waipiro was unable to compete as rival runner Forca Timao kicked out on the way to the start and struck the arm of jockey Tom Marquand.

Marquand sustained a wound that required stitches and he was forced to step down, causing the withdrawal of Waipiro.

Marquand is healing having escaped any broken bones and Walker reports the horse to be none the worse as the blow did not reach him.

Lingfield will now be an alterative outing, though his trainer is conscious of ground conditions and will monitor the going throughout the week.

“He’s absolutely fine, unfortunately for Tom he took the blow,” he said.

“It’s obviously a real pain for us because Lingfield looks like it’s going to be on soft ground now and that (Newmarket) was the right spot for him.

“It’s frustrating, but he’s well and he’s being trained for Lingfield at the moment.

“I’d run him on good to soft but I wouldn’t run him on soft, so it’ll be dependent on which way things go this week.”

William Buick with Military Order at Newbury
William Buick with Military Order at Newbury (PA)

Waipiro is one of 14 contenders for the near 12-furlong contest, with Charlie Appleby’s Military Order the headline act following his effortless return in a Newbury novice event last month.

He is a general 6-1 shot for Epsom and could be joined by Listed-winning stablemate Noble Dynasty, although he holds an alternative entry in Thursday’s Dee Stakes at Chester.

Gooloogong, a 33-1 chance for the premier Classic, and Bertinelli could represent Aidan O’Brien.

Newmarket Stakes second Circle Of Fire could make a swift return, while Laafi, Artistic Star and Ndaawi also feature.

Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking made a splash on her only juvenile start and is generally available at 14-1 for Epsom ahead of her possible return in the Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes.

A Juddmonte-owned daughter of Camelot out of Group One winner Emulous, Bluestocking beat the colts in style on her debut in a Salisbury novice heat in September.

Karl Burke’s Fillies’ Mile third Bright Diamond is among the 14 entries along with Sunset Point and Eternal Hope for the Appleby team and O’Brien’s pair of Be Happy and Lambada.

Agartha leads the way in the Chartwell Fillies' Stakes
Agartha leads the way in the Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes (Niall Carson/PA)

Joseph O’Brien has a strong potential team for the Group Three Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes with Agartha, American Kestrel and Honey Girl mounting a three-strong challenge.

Previous Group-race winners Sacred and Sandrine also feature, for William Haggas and Andrew Balding respectively.

White Moonlight, Just Beautiful, Secret Angel and Juliet Sierra are other names to note.