15:35 Lingfield

Saturday 13 May 2023

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4017:1517:45

Fitzdares Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 2m 27.74s

(7)

Circle of Fire⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 102

11/4

Highly promising son of Almanzor who built on his debut third when impressively landing 1m Salisbury novice in September. Most encouraging return when runner-up in a listed event at Newmarket and, with even more progress likely, he makes plenty of appeal.

Form: 31-2

(8)

Inquiring Minds¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden

9/1

Kingman colt who looked a smart prospect when readily going clear in a Newcastle maiden 11 days ago. Marked step up grade in the face of a quick turnaround, but probably talented enough to make his presence felt.

Form: 1

(3)

Laafi¹⁹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R Kingscote| T: W J Haggas

22/1

Left debut form well behind when landing a Nottingham maiden comfortably 6 months ago. Longer trip should suit and could get involved if inexperience doesn't hold him back.

Form: 51-

(5)

Military Order²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 106

1/1

Brother to Derby and King George VI winner Adayar. Beaten at short odds first time out but has made no mistake on both subsequent starts, readily defying a penalty in Newbury novice last time. Looks a realistic Derby hope and should take the beating.

Form: 41-1

(1)

Ndaawi²⁰³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 96

22/1

Useful colt. 12¼ lengths seventh of 9 to Dubai Mile in Criterium de Saint-Cloud at Saint-Cloud (9.9f, heavy, 9/1). Well-bred sort who is the type to do better as a 3yo, so no forlorn hope on return.

Form: 3117-

(6)

Regal Empire²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: S H James| T: J Tate| OR: 89

16/1

Won two of his first 3 starts and shaped with plenty of encouragement when runner-up in handicap at Newmarket last time. More progress required now but not surprising that connections are having a go.

Form: 91312

(4)

Think First¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Marco Ghiani| T: J Tate| OR: 92

66/1

Lightly-raced winner. 25/1, 8 lengths fourth of 5 to Epictetus in listed race at Epsom (10.1f, heavy) 18 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere.

Form: 5116-4

(2)

Waipiro²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rob Hornby| T: E Walker

10/1

Well related and proved a different proposition to debut when making all at Newmarket on reappearance. Pedigree suggests another step up in trip will be in his favour, so worthy of respect.

Form: 6-1

Forecasts

Military Order (1/1), Circle of Fire (11/4), Inquiring Minds (9/1), Waipiro (10/1), Regal Empire (16/1), Laafi (22/1), Ndaawi (22/1), Think First (66/1)

MILITARY ORDER is bred to be classy and, having doubled his tally in ready fashion at Newbury recently, he gets the nod ahead of the progressive Circle of Fire, who has actually achieved a bit more in form terms than the selection. Inquiring Minds is an intriguing runner and there's a case to be made for a few others.