Epsom Derby

racing news/

Main Sequence Impressive in Derby Trial
12/05/12

1 Main Sequence 3/1
2 Shantaram 5/4F
3 Cavaleiro 20/1
8 ran Distances: ¾l, 6l, 3l
TIME 2m 28.83s (fast by 0.27s)

Main Sequence was ticketed for the Investec Derby after justifying a jump up in class when extending his unbeaten run to four with a cosy success in the Betfred Derby Trial at Lingfield.

Rougemont
© Caroline Norris

The David Lanigan-trained colt (3-1) was coming off success in a handicap at the Newmarket Craven meeting, but despite flashing his tail proved too determined for the 5-4 favourite Shantaram, wining with something in hand by three-quarters of a length under Ted Durcan.

There was a big gap to the third Cavaleiro and connections are in principle keen to go on to Epsom with their son of Aldebaran, who was trimmed to 16-1 from 25s for the Investec Derby by Ladbrokes .

Durcan has no fears about his mount getting a mile and a half and said: "He was really switched off and settled. He found loads and will stay a mile and a half. He's a lovely horse and is hopefully on the way up. There's no reason to think he won't stay."

Main Sequence carries the famous Niarchos family silks and was watched by racing manager Alan Cooper.

Lanigan said: "We were going to go for the Feilden (at the Craven meeting), but off 89 it would have been pointless missing out on the handicap option. He came out well from each of his three gallops since, and while he does flash his tail, Ted said you don't feel it and he picks up when you ask him.

"I'm glad we didn't run him back on the soft, because if he'd run badly it would have told us nothing.

"We'll sit down with the Niarchos family and Alan and see how he comes out of it. There is a question mark on his breeding whether he will stay the Derby trip, but Ted said he galloped out to the line and when the other horse came to him he was just a little idle.

"The plan was if he won today and we were impressed, we would do that (go to Epsom).

"I've been very, very lucky, the Niarchos family have supported me from day one and I'm very grateful for that."

Position	Horse Trainer	Jockey Weight	Starting Price Beaten Distance
1	Main Sequence D R Lanigan	T E Durcan 8st 12lbs	3 - 1 Winner
2	Shantaram J H M Gosden	William Buick 8st 12lbs	5 - 4 3/4 length
3	Cavaleiro M P Tregoning	R Mullen 8st 12lbs	20 - 1 6 lengths
4	Halling's Quest H Morrison	K Fallon 8st 12lbs	25 - 1 3 lengths
5	Rougemont R Hannon	P Dobbs 8st 12lbs	13 - 2 Neck
6	Goldoni A M Balding	David Probert 8st 12lbs	14 - 1 1 3/4 length
7	Ed De Gas Rae Guest	C Catlin 8st 12lbs	7 - 1 Neck
8	Hazaz C E Brittain	N Callan 8st 12lbs	25 - 1 11 lengths