Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TANGO’S BIG STEP
Balding to aim colt at Derby after Trial win
BERLIN TANGO made his experience count to lift Kempton’s Unibet Classic Trial — and earn a 25-1 Investec Derby quote.
But trainer Andrew Balding warned would-be Epsom punters to hold their bets ahead of the July 4 test.
With five starts under his belt, Berlin Tango, on whom jockey David Probert carried the white and green colours of George Strawbridge, came into the race with more match practice than his eight opponents – and had too much know-how for 40-1 outsider Pyledriver.
“He stayed well,” said Balding of the threequarter-length victor. “He ran well enough here in the Kentucky Derby Trial before lockdown.
“He needed that race and stripped a bit fitter today. He’s a decent horse, in fairness. He would have to be supplemented for the Derby.
“That might be a brave shout, but we’ll certainly have a look at something like Royal Ascot if it doesn’t come too soon, and he should have a good summer,” added Balding, who had combined with Probert to land the opening 5f handicap with for his Kingsclere stable’s third success since racing’s resumption on Monday.
“David seemed to think he will stay further but we’ll have to discuss it with Mr Strawbridge and ultimately let him make the decision.” Probert added: “I got in a pocket turning in, but he’s professional and I think he’ll be a decent middledistance horse.”
(left in blue), ridden for boss Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum by Jim Crowley, stepped up in class to complete a four-timer in the Listed Fillies’ Stakes.
The John Gosdentrained daughter of Invincible Spirit, who had completed her 2019 hat-trick with a six-length victory in a Newmarket handicap in September, fended off Billesdon Brook, winner of the 1,000 Guineas two years ago.
Gosden’s son Thady said: “They often improve as they get older and she’s definitely come on well.
“We could possibly look at Royal Ascot with her – possibly a tilt at something like the Duke of Cambridge [Stakes] – but it’s entirely up to Sheikh Hamdan.”