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EPSOM CHANCE

Investec Derby 2017 – Best Solution lands the Lingfield Derby Trial for Godolphin and Saeed bin Suroor

Aidan O'Brien's Sir John Lavery was bitterly disappointing as Best Solution skipped clear of the field as he relished the return to turf after disappointing on the dirt in Meydan

Best Solution

GODOLPHIN threw their hat into the Derby ring as Best Solution ran out a wide-margin winner of the Betfred-sponsored Trial at Lingfield.

Saeed bin Suroor's colt had some decent two-year-old form in the book but he had disappointed in two subsequent outings in Dubai over the winter.

However, he relished the return to turf and put his rivals to the sword, including Aidan O'Brien's hot favourite Sir John Lavery who was bitterly disappointing.

When Pat Cosgrave gave the signal, Best Solution picked up in style and comfortably repelled the challenge of Glencadam Glory, whose fellow John Gosden-trained stablemate Tartini was back in third.

 Best Solution is now as short as 12-1 for the Investec Derby
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Best Solution is now as short as 12-1 for the Investec DerbyCredit: PA

Betfair offer 12-1 from 25s about Best Solution for the Derby on June 3.

Earlier on, Hertford Dancer landed the Lingfield Oaks Trial for Frankie Dettori and Gosden, but she will be heading to Ascot instead.

The daughter of Foxwedge, whose sole previous win came in a Wolverhampton all-weather maiden in December, stayed on stoutly to score by a length and a half from Pocketfullofdreams.

Harry Herbert, representing Highclere, who bred the filly, said Royal Ascot was the plan, with the Ribblesdale Stakes the most likely target.

He said: "We were hopeful because she tries so hard and stays so well and nick some black type. She travelled almost like the best of the lot and when Frankie switched her it was fantastic to see her run on so strongly.

"When you have an animal who only just wants to win, it makes a hell of a difference.

"We won't supplement her for the Oaks. We'll let the dust settle. Maybe a race like the Ribblesdale will be right for her at Royal Ascot."

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