William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes
 QuinnBet
Listed, Lingfield 15:00
£60,000 guaranteed,
3yo only,
1m 4f, Class 1   
Saturday 11th May 2024

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1 Ambiente Friendly 8/1
2 Illinois 6/4F
3 Meydaan 14/1
9 ran Distances: 4½l, 3¼l, ¾l
Time: 2m 24.09s (fast by 1.71s)

Ambiente Friendly made a significant statement in the Epsom blue riband race by delivering an emphatic victory in the Derby Trial.

Despite being a 100/1 chance for the Betfred Derby prior to the race, his impressive performance slashed those odds, firmly placing him in contention for the Epsom Classic.

As the field turned for home, Ryan Moore guided Aidan O’Brien’s 6-4 favorite, Illinois, to the front. However, Ambiente Friendly, ridden by Callum Shepherd, showcased a dazzling turn of foot on the wide outside.

Despite some hanging tendencies, the Irish raider fended off multiple challengers and surged ahead. Shepherd eased him through the final furlong, crossing the finish line a commanding four and a half lengths ahead, securing an 8-1 triumph.

James Fanshawe’s charge demonstrated both class and determination, leaving no doubt about his Derby aspirations. The Epsom Classic awaits this promising son of Gleneagles, and racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his performance on the first Saturday in June.

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Shepherd was thrilled with the Gredley family-owned colt, saying: “I was so impressed with that, I can’t put it into words.

“He used to be very keen and could get lit up, but with the ring bit he was so more manageable.

“When he went for home, he was relentless. What a wonderful dress rehearsal for Epsom.”

Fanshawe’s son and assistant, Tom, added: “He’s hopefully an exciting horse. We don’t get many horses that head for the Derby, but thanks to Mr (Bill) Gredley it looks as if we do now.

“He’s always been a nice mover and everything he does is effortless. We know Charlie Appleby and Aidan will have contenders, but we feel we have every right to be there.”

Regarding the O’Brien runners, Kevin Buckley, UK representative for Coolmore, said: “Illinois will improve a lot for this experience as he’s a full-brother to Venice Beach, but I like the way Declan’s (McDonogh) horse (The Euphrates, fourth) stayed on after being well back at the top of the hill.”

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Derby Trial Stakes (Listed)
£60,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 4f, Class 1
9 ran
Going: Good

POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (3)     Ambiente Friendly 3 9-2 James Fanshawe Callum Shepherd 8/1
2 (1) 4½ Illinois 3 9-2 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 6/4F
3 (7) 3¼ Meydaan 3 9-2 Simon & Ed Crisford Harry Davies 14/1
4 (9) ¾ The Euphrates 3 9-2 A P O'Brien Declan McDonogh 6/1
5 (2) 3 Salamanca 3 9-2 Jane Chapple-Hyam Rossa Ryan 16/1
6 (4) shd Imperial Sovereign 3 9-2 K R Burke Clifford Lee 11/1
7 (5) shd Defiance 3 9-2 Roger Varian James Doyle 7/2
8 (8) 2 Arabic Legend 3 9-2 K R Burke David Probert 20/1
9 (6) 16 At Vimeiro 3 9-2 Jane Chapple-Hyam Laura Pearson 80/1

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