Betfred Derby (Group 1) (No Geldings)

Closely related to 2025 Derby winner Lambourn; carries his head high but ended last season with a close, battling second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, heavy) and front-running second in the Dante at York (10.2f, good) last month was of a similar order, albeit no match for Item in the final 1f; a disappointing, sluggish display on reappearance was his only start with tongue tied; likely to stay 1m4f, with a possible place role but it's unlikely to be more unless the new cheekpieces have a major positive effect.

Travelled well and challenged from the rear at Newbury (1m3f, good; 17-2) on reappearance seven weeks ago, sticking to his task manfully too while chasing home an exciting prospect at a respectful distance; a promising, scopey sort from a famous middle-distance family but his progressive form in maidens, without a win, does not make him a serious Derby contender.

Frankel colt bought for 1,100,000gns as a yearling; all four races on good to firm; Beverley and Goodwood novice wins last summer before the Group 2 Royal Lodge saw a comprehensive end to his unbeaten record; he returned to Newmarket, however, with an ultimately authoritative win in a five-runner Listed race (1m2f) five weeks ago, helping to make the running; 1m4f beckons strongly after that and he's included in each-way calculations.

Won a Brighton maiden and 1m2f AW handicap at Lingfield; however, he ended last season with last of ten in a French Group 1 (1m2f, very soft) and subsided rapidly to be last of six in the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm; 33-1); his owner is renowned for Derby contenders who have run well at big prices, but hopes for this one may be stretching it.

Novice winner whose rallying third of six in Listed race here (1m2f, good) in April suggested that longer trips would suit; tried 11.6f in the Lingfield Derby Trial (good to firm) and recorded his highest rating, but Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance were just over 6l ahead of him; major work to do.