Former Greene King chairman Tim Bridge had good cause to raise a glass or two in celebration after Quite Cheeky maintained his unbeaten record when carrying his colours to victory in the Betfred Derby ‘Wild Card’ EBF Conditions Stakes at Epsom.
Arriving on the back of a win in a seven furlong novice contest at the iconic Surrey venue 17 days ago, the son of Teofilo added to that victory when taking a step up in trip in his stride to follow up that success.
Sitting prominently throughout the extended mile prize, the William Haggas-trained 7/2 chance moved past early pacesetter, Sword Salute, inside the final two furlongs before taking up a lead he would hold on all the way to the line.
Once hitting the front, Quite Cheeky soon put matters to bed with jockey Cieren Fallon only needing to keep his mount up to his work before going on to post victory by a length and three quarters.
Andrew Tinkler, racecourse representative for the yard, said: “He did well on his debut here and it was nice to come back here.
"This was a slightly deeper race, but he has coped with conditions well and proved that he copes with the track. It is nice to see him win and continue the good form of the yard ahead of what is going to be an important week.
“The step up in trip looked to be within his compass after winning on his debut, and, being by Teofilo, it is something he has taken in his stride. The governor does all the race planning, but he is a genius at that so I leave that to him, but it is good for the progression of the horse to come here again and continue to learn while winning.”
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Following the race Quite Cheeky was introduced at 66/1 by Paddy Power for next year’s Betfred Derby, which as a result of his latest win gives him a free initial entry.
And while former Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Tinkler was unsure of what the plans for Quite Cheeky are going forward, he believes he has a bright future.
Tinkler added: “We will see what the horse tells us regarding the future, but it is great to have another nice two year old on our hands.
“Of course it is great for Mr Bridge as he is an enthusiastic gentleman, and he is a great friend of the boss, so to have a really nice horse for him is fantastic. He has a nice future, but let’s enjoy today."
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