Bangkok ridden by Silvestre De Sousa wins the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown
Bangkok ridden by Silvestre De Sousa wins the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown

Bangkok on Derby mission after winning Classic Trial at Sandown


Bangkok could head straight to the Investec Derby at Epsom following his decisive success in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown.

Having shaped with promise in three maiden starts as a juvenile, the Australia colt made a winning reappearance at Doncaster last month and was a 10/11 favourite stepping up in class for for this Group Three assignment.

Andrew Balding's charge was settled towards the rear of the six-strong field for much of the 10-furlong contest, but Silvestre de Sousa cut a confident figure in the saddle throughout.

Bangkok loomed up ominously racing inside the final two furlongs and fairly shot clear once given his head to put the race bed emphatically.

Sky Bet cut Bangkok from 33/1 to 16/1 for the Derby and Balding is eyeing the Epsom Classic as his next port of call.

He said: "He did it nicely. He is a very high-class horse, but there is always a bit of concern as you want to get the job done.

"Silvestre was very impressed by him and I think he has won with any amount in hand. He has got good acceleration and is a tidy horse.

"It was important for the long-term that he learns to settle and switch off. With going further (in the Derby) it is imperative that he settles and that was the main aim today, but I'm glad he showed a nice turn of foot.

"I think we will go straight to Epsom. We have got time to take in another trial if we want to, but I think it is very unlikely.

"Quite possibly we could go to Breakfast With The Stars. I'd have no issues about the track for him as he is a well-balanced horse."

Bangkok ridden by Silvestre De Sousa wins the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown
Bangkok makes it two-from-two in 2019

The Martyn Meade-trained Technician was beaten a length and a quarter into second place, and may well have made more of a race of it but for being short of room at a crucial stage.

"He didn't get the run of the race and he was the meat in the sandwich a couple of times," said Meade.

"He was stopped by the big horse of John Gosden's (Travel On) and saw no daylight. He is not the quickest in the world and it was difficult to sprint from there. He would have been a lot closer had he had a better run.

"He is in the Dante and he would need to win that (to be considered for the Derby). He has done nothing wrong and that was only his third run of his life.

"It just didn't work on the day, but there is a big day for him I'm sure."

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