RACING:WHAT LOOKED another ordinary renewal of Epsom's Derby Trial on paper yesterday may have produced something of a surprise package in the shape of the Barry Hills-trained Slumber.
Serious Derby contenders tend to be prepared for the Classic at York, Lingfield or Newmarket rather than risk disappointment over the course six weeks away from the big race itself, and Slumber does not even hold an entry at this stage.
But he left a vivid impression when quickening right away from the field early in the home straight and is likely to be tested in another trial before decisions are made about a possible supplementary entry.
Slumber (7 to 1) had finished in mid-division on his only previous start at Newbury last season but left his four rivals, all of whom were more experienced, for dead to win comfortably by three and a half lengths.
Hills’s son and assistant Charlie, said: “It was a nice surprise as we really brought him here to get a bit more experience.
“He’s not in the Derby but the Chester Vase would be the obvious race for him now.
“He had been working nicely at home but we thought he’d need it.
“It was only the second run of his life and he’s still babyish, but that was impressive.”
Jockey Michael Hills added: “It was a devastating pick-up — I was impressed.
“I don’t know what he beat but he gave me a great feel. He wouldn’t have a problem getting a mile and a half.”
Owner Prince Khalid Abdullah already has a number of other key Derby players such as Frankel and World Domination and it would cost him €85,000 to supplement Slumber, who is presently on offer at odds of 25 to 1.
The Hills clan were later to double up with 11 to 8 favourite Barney Rebel, the pick on last season’s form for the Specialist Bank Maiden Stakes.
He coasted past Carousel close home and Charlie Hills added: “They went no gallop early on and Michael said he was always confident of winning. We’ll look for a handicap.”
The Surrey track’s first meeting of the season acts mainly as an appetiser for the Derby but it still stages two famous old handicaps.
The Great Metropolitan Handicap started off in the middle of the infield in the black-and-white days rather than over the conventional Derby course and was taken in majestic fashion by Michael Bell’s lightly-raced Sunny Game and Jamie Spencer.
“He seems to have improved a lot from three to four,” said Spencer of the 3 to 1 favourite.
“I know it was only a handicap but you couldn’t be more impressed with him.”
Following a stewards’ inquiry, original third home Rock A Doodle Doo was promoted to second, with Harlestone Times demoted to third.
Spencer earlier left his rivals toiling in the Asset Management Handicap aboard the fleet-footed sprinter Falasteen (20 to 1).
Spanish Duke (14 to 1) collected the City And Suburban Stakes with the greatest of ease despite his one-length official margin.
Eddie Ahern was practically pulling double with two furlongs of the 10 left to run as he angled John Dunlop’s gelding out for space and he simply cruised past Resurge.
“I think that’s the fifth time I’ve won on him and we’re almost unbeaten together,” said Ahern.
“He goes past horses like a knife through butter.”
Dunlop’s assistant David Menuisier added: “We were a bit worried about his fitness as a lot of ours have been needing the run, but he did that well.”
Richard Hills had enough in the tank to help 11 to 4 favourite Baqaat maintain his upward curve in the Investments Handicap.
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