Three-year-old colts Youmkin and Bay Of Poets get a chance to race on the unique Epsom Downs course, UK, in the 10-furlong Investec Derby Trial (14.45hrs local time) on Wednesday, April 26. The £50,000 conditions race offers a rare opportunity for aspiring G1 Investec Derby contenders to be tested on the famous undulating course, with the winner receiving free entry into the £1.5-million Classic (12f) on June 3. Youmkin (Saeed bin Suroor/Oisin Murphy) already holds an Investec Derby entry and the son of Street Cry makes his second start after staying on well to take a Nottingham maiden over an extended mile in October.
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Youmkin is ready to make his first start of the season but he doesn't show a lot in the mornings and is a little lazy in his work. “We will see how he gets on this week before deciding where to go with him, but I am hoping for another good run.”
Bay Of Poets (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) won a mile Polytrack maiden easily at Kempton Park in September but failed to make much impact in three subsequent Pattern appearances, including when eighth in the mile G1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October. Charlie Appleby commented: “Bay Of Poets has wintered well and settled down a lot mentally. His work has been good and suggests that this step up in trip is going to suit. “We were struggling to get a handle on him last year because his work was so good and then he disappointed on the racecourse. “We know that he has ability and, if he turns up in the same form as his morning work, then he is going to be very competitive.” Their main opponents could be two unbeaten colts, Cracksman and Tartini.
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