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O'Brien's Chief can land Epsom Trial

Written by Press Association | Apr 23, 2024 7:03:02 AM

Chief Little Rock can head home to Ireland with his Classic prospects enhanced by winning the Betfred Blue Riband Trial at Epsom on Tuesday.

The Galileo colt ran four times as a juvenile, finishing second on debut when beaten half length before returning to the same track at Leopardstown to win a similar contest next time out.

Aidan O'Brien's charge was then runner-up in the Group Two Beresford Stakes at the Curragh, after which he filled the same spot in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket.

There he was beaten by Godolphin's Ancient Wisdom, subsequently the winner of the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.

That form makes him the obvious candidate when he starts off his campaign at Listed level over an extended 2000m that should bring about further improvement.

On the same card Marco Botti's Felix can strike in the Lilley Plummer Risks City & Suburban Handicap.

The chestnut caused a ruckus when refusing to go to post last time out at Lingfield, but prior to that was picking up money on the all-weather.

It has therefore been some time since he ran on turf, but if agreeing to run his race he could tap into some fair form on the grass under Oisin Murphy.

Simon and Ed Crisford's Involvement catches the eye in the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Novice Stakes.

On debut at Redcar last September the Lope De Vega colt won by a comfortable four lengths, after which he was beaten just a neck in a Newcastle all-weather novice.

There are three subsequent winners behind him across those two runs and he looks poised to start his term on the right foot.

At Wolverhampton Trojan Truth can defy top-weight to take the Tips For Every Race At raceday-ready.com Apprentice Handicap for Ed de Giles.

The gelding has a good record at the Dunstall Park track, winning or placing every time in three runs including two recent efforts under Liam Wright, the same 3lb claimer who will ride him this time.

Tenyatta can add to her recent Wolverhampton success in the Get Raceday Ready Handicap.

The filly had her first start for James Owen at the track earlier in the month, contesting a course and distance event and prevailing by a length.

Now she returns raised 3lb for her trouble but still looks ahead of the curve and can strike again under the same rider as last time, 3lb claimer Aidan Keeley.

At Yarmouth Gay Kelleway's She Is A Keeper can strike under Hollie Doyle in the QuinnBet Acca Bonus Fillies' Handicap.

The three-year-old has been kept to the all-weather since joining her current trainer and has held her own in three starts on that surface, but she does have prior turf form for Richard Hannon.

George Boughey's Pit Boss is one to watch in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes.

By Ardad, the two-year-old is out of an unraced Azamour mare named Mara Grey, the dam of Amo Racing's Group-placed Crispy Cat - third in both the Norfolk Stakes and the Flying Childers. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Tuesday. Here are the tips.

SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 14.45 Duke Of Luckley, Race 2: 15.18 Foxey, Race 3: 15.53 Annie Express, Race 4: 16.30 Captain Wallace, Race 5: 17.05 Floating Line, Race 6: 17.40 Tommy Time, Race 7: 18.15 Basford, Race 8: 18.50 I'm Too Tired.

YARMOUTH: Race 1: 15.00 Medician Star, Race 2: 15.35 Pit Boss, Race 3: 16.10 Valadero, Race 4: 16.45 Lennox, Race 5: 17.20 Lunario, Race 6: 17.55 She Is A Keeper, Race 7: 18.25 Mellys Flyer.

EPSOM: Race 1: 15.10 Night On Earth, Race 2: 15.45 CHIEF LITTLE ROCK (NAP), Race 3: 16.20 Felix, Race 4: 16.55 Hope You Can Run, Race 5: 17.30 Involvement, Race 6: 18.05 Invincible Aura.

WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1: 18.30 Trojan Truth, Race 2: 19.00 Hampden, Race 3: 19.30 Beveragino, Race 4: 20.00 Tenyatta, Race 5: 20.30 The Craftymaster, Race 6: 21.00 Plumette, Race 7: 21.30 Sisters In The Sky, Race 8: 22.00 Captain Wentworth.

ALL TO COME: Chief Little Rock and Involvement (Epsom, Races 2 and 5).