Defiance can show his mettle at Lingfield

Defiance can advertise his Epsom claims with victory in the William

Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes at the Surrey track.

Roger Varian’s charge beat Caviar Heights a short head on racecourse debut last August, with the value of that form well advertised by that horse’s four-length Listed victory at Newmarket last week.

Defiance went on to finish a four-length sixth to Ghostwriter in the Royal Lodge as a 33-1 chance, but he looked certain to be a better three-year-old and that appeared the case as he got going a touch too late in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom on his reappearance.

The Camelot colt was putting in all his best work at the finish over 10 furlongs after sitting off the early leaders, so his three-quarter-length defeat at the hands of Bellum Justum can be upgraded.

Moving up to just short of 12 furlongs here, Defiance can book his ticket to bigger things.

Danielle made a splash at Wetherby at the end of last month and can take the step up to Listed level in her stride in the William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes.

Third and second on her first two starts on the all-weather, switching to turf saw her open her account in style in a novice contest, powering home by 12 lengths with Kieran Shoemark having to do little more than shake the reins.

As a half-sister to Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami, Danielle is bred to be pretty smart and is another who should not be troubled by moving up to just short of Classic distance.

SELECTIONS

ASCOT: 1.30 Kotari, 2.05 Bellarchi, 2.40 Arabian Storm, 3.10 Aysgarth, 3.45 Midair, 4.20 Turn Up The Heat, 4.55 Alcazan.

HAYDOCK: 1.35 Zain Nights, 2.10 Sunny Street, 2.45 Zozimus, 3.15 Afadil, 3.50 Shartash, 4.25 French Ship, 5.00 Amasar.

HEXHAM: 4.00 Ballylinch, 4.35 Chapel Green, 5.10 Sponthus, 5.45 I Am Max, 6.15 Guard The Moon, 6.45 Holly Bird.