TANGO IN STEP
Berlin shows star quality
BERLIN TANGO danced into the Derby picture after winning the Unibet Classic Trial Stakes at Kempton.
Successful trainer Andrew Balding, winning the race for the third time after victories with Master Apprentice in 2015 and Bangkok last year, has yet to decide if the colt will line up at Epsom.
“He would need to be supplemented for the Derby, which might be a brave shout,” said Balding, also successful earlier on the card with Never Dark, who like Berlin Tango was ridden by David Probert.
“But we’ll certainly look for something at Royal Ascot if it doesn’t come too soon and he should have a good summer.
“But there’s so few options as it’s an unusual year and we’ll have to discuss it.”
Betfair and Paddy Power gave the colt a 33-1 quote for the Derby. Coral were more impressed, offering 25-1.
Usually run at Sandown, the Classic Trial has not thrown up a Derby winner since Benny The Dip in 1997 – who was second in the trial.
John Gosden saw his Derby hope Hypothetical beaten into fourth by Berlin Tango but was soon back among the winners when Nazeef took the Snowdrop Stakes.
Partnered by Jim Crowley, the filly arrived late and chinned Billesdon Brook on the line.
Gosden’s son Thady said: “We could possibly look at Royal Ascot with her but it’s entirely up to Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum. “A possible tilt at something like the Duke of Cambridge Stakes.” The regally bred Maydanny, also carrying the Hamdan silks, broke the track record at Yarmouth yesterday.
The gelding, a son of Attraction and the winner of the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas, is trained by Mark Johnston and was partnered by Dane O’Neill and can be followed until beaten.
Charlie Johnston, representing his father, confirmed Mickael Barzalona will now ride Raffle Prize in Sunday’s QIPCO 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Frankie Dettori, her original rider, has now been called up to partner Shimmering by his boss John Gosden.