O'Brien one-two as Alessandro takes Derby Trial
Alessandro Volta and Johnny Murtagh battled to a three-quarters-of-a-length victory over fast-finishing stable companion King of Rome in the totesport.com Derby Trial at Lingfield.
The defection of hot Derby hope Curtain Call due to the firm ground caused a certain amount of interest in the race to be lost, however it was good news for Aidan O'Brien, who saddled the first two home.
Alessandro Volta did not appear to come down the hill well and seemed to run green, hanging quite badly in the straight, but he responded very willingly to Johnny Murtagh's urgings and held off King of Rome's strong challenge on the outside.
Murtagh said of the strongly-made colt: "He's a good, genuine galloper. That will have stood him in good stead for Epsom."
The fillies' Oaks Trial went to 10-1 surprise Miracle Seeker, who led from start to finish under a confident ride from Adam Kirby. Making the most of her proven stamina, he let the stoutly-bred, well-balanced filly bowl along and she looked to have plenty more in reserve, winning by just under a length from the favourite Look Here, who ran a good race despite not handling the turn. Miracle Seeker is a 40-1 chance for the Oaks - and well worth an each-way punt.
6-4on favourite Red Rocks put up a gutsy performance to hold off strong challenges from Many Volumes and Al Shemali in Lingfield's opener, while it was a French-trained one-two in the Chartwell Fillies' Stakes where Sabana Perdida easily saw off her field with Verba closest in second place.
At Ascot, the finish to the competitive Victoria Cup was fought out between joint-favourites Zaahid and Al Khaleej, with Richard Hills just coming out better on the determined Zaahid, trained by his father Barry. King of Dixie was third, despite rearing badly as he exited the stalls.
Glamorous Spirit completed an Ascot double for jockey Ryan Moore, Nottingham's Listed Kilvington Stakes went to 1,000 Guineas disappointment Cartimandua and at Hexham, there was a 50-1 winner in the form of Lethem Present. Blue was the colour at Haydock's mixed meeting where in-form trainer Andrew Turnell scored with Blue Bajan and Catherine Gannon rode a fine race to take the totescoop6 Handicap on 14-1 shot Harbour Blues.
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