Classic trials at Lingfield

Not so long ago, the two classic trials at Lingfield- for the Oaks at 15.40 CET and for the Derby half an hour later - were regarded as the most important Epsom trials, but those days are long gone and today´s races look very substandard. Indeed, only one of the runners in the Derby trial even has an entry in the classic, and that is Marhaba Malyoon (David Slimcock/ William Buick), whose only start resulted in an easy win in a very modest affair at Bath last September. The consistent Measuring Time (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), twice a winner and 5 times runner-up in 8 starts) looks a more plausible winner, but we will take a chance on Saeed bin Suroor coming into form; so far ths season he has been totally upstaged by fellow Godolphin trainer Mahmood al Zarooni, but he can get back on the winning trail here with Borug (Frankie Dettori), a half-brother to Arc winner Marienbard.

The fillies´ race should go to Field of Miracles (John Gosden/ Buick), an easy winner at odds-on on the all-weather last time; she is up in grade here, but looks a filly with a future. Palm Pilot (Ed Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern) has won her last 3 races , all on the all-weather, and could be the main danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Flambeau - Dever Dream - Tropical Paradise
2. Race: Always The Lady - Field Of Miracles - Date With Destiny
3. Race: Measuring Time - Hurricane Higgins - Dordogne
4. Race: Passion For Gold - Sri Putra - Jet Away
5. Race: Audacious - Laashak - Sciampin
6. Race: Bowmaker - Den`S Gift - Free For All