Percussionist on song

Latest racing results

Percussionist gave his Classic hopes a boost with a comprehensive win in the Gallagher Group Ltd Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield.

Running in the famous colours of the late Robert Sangster, Percussionist tracked favourite Hazyview before moving into the lead just under three furlongs out.

And although the colt drifted across the track on the run-in, jockey Frankie Dettori was able to guide him home for a 10-length victory.

Trainer John Gosden confirmed that Percussionist would be aimed at the Derby.

"I just hope that this horrible May weather continues for another few weeks," he said. "There's no doubt he does appreciate this type of ground.

"The second is a Listed winner, we've beaten him 10 lengths, and you've got to be pleased with that."

Dettori, who enjoyed a 20-1 double after landing the race before on Morse, said that Percussionist had veered right because he had been frightened by the TV camera car.

But the Italian, who has never won the Derby, agreed that the colt should take his chance at Epsom.

"Any horse who wins a trial by that far, you've got to go and give it a crack," he said.

However, bookmakers took the view that Percussionist is not a likely Derby winner with most leaving his odds unchanged or trimming him slightly and he is still available at about 40-1.

Earlier, Baraka brought up champion Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien's first UK winner of the season with a comprehensive win in the Antonia Cridland Oaks Trial.

Odds-on favourite Bowstring made the early running but Baraka was cruising in second and when jockey Jamie Spencer gave her a nudge, she moved effortlessly clear to win by six lengths.

---

Gallagher Group Ltd Derby Trial Stakes (G3)
Lingfield, 1m 3½f

1 Percussionist (L Dettori) 11-4
2 Hazyview (D Holland) 11-10f
3 Five Dynasties (J Spencer) 9-4
Four ran. Dist: 10l, 17l.

---

Antonia Cridland Oaks Trial
Lingfield, 1m 3½f

1 Baraka (J Spencer) 9-4
2 Bowstring (L Dettori) 10-11f
3 Rio de Jumeirah (D Holland) 16-1
Five ran. Dist: 6l, 10l.