Derby dream on line as Defiance faces vital Trial
DEFIANCE is among those looking to book their ticket to Epsom in the William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial at Lingfield today.
A winner on his Sandown debut last summer for trainer Roger Varian, the Camelot colt rounded off his juvenile campaign by finishing sixth behind the high-class Ghostwriter in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket.
He made an encouraging start to his three-year-old season when finishing strongly to fill the runner-up spot behind Bellum
Justum in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom and connections hope he can go one better this weekend to earn himself a tilt at Betfred Derby glory on June 1.
“We were thrilled with him at Epsom, especially as that race really wasn’t run to suit at all,” said Harry Herbert, managing director of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
“There was a very slow pace that day, we wanted him to relax in behind and they quickened from the front and we were on the outside. He still nearly won, so I think he’s run a very good race off a pace that didn’t suit
him. He’s in great form according to Roger and I’ve seen him myself, he looks marvellous the horse.”
Herbert admits today’s Listed event is a crucial test for Defiance, with dreams of a Derby bid very much on the line.
He added: “I think he’s come on for that run at Epsom and on Saturday, we’d love to think that he’ll be very competitive. We’ll know afterwards whether we’ll be throwing our cards into the Derby ring or going elsewhere.
“We want to know, albeit it could be painful, but the worst thing in the world is running a horse in the Derby that shouldn’t be there, so let’s find out.
“Right now I think he’s a live contender.”