Action Returns To Epsom Downs The countdown to the Vodafone Derby steps up a gear this week as racing returns to Epsom Downs today, Wednesday, April 25, with the Blue Square Spring Meeting.The Spring Meeting features the only trial for the Vodafone Derby to be run at Epsom Downs, the #20,000 Weatherbys Bank Blue Riband Trial.Five horses go to post for today's extended 10-furlong contest, including Dubai Twilight from the Barry Hills stable. The son of Alhaarth was a facile winner over a mile at Lingfield on April 1 and now steps up in distance. Barry Hills will be hoping his charge can emerge as a serious contender for the #1.25 million Vodafone Derby, the classic in which he has trained the runner-up no less than four times. Dubai Twilight was added to the Vodafone Derby at the second entry stage on April 4.John Gosden, successful with Benny The Dip in the 1997 Vodafone Derby, saddles Raincoat who was successful on his sole start at Sandown Park last season, while the one filly in the contest, the Mick Channon-trained Lakshimi, holds a Vodafone Oaks entry. The field is completed by Habalwatan, trained by Clive Brittain, and Spirit Of The Mist from the Tim Pitt stable.Further Vodafone Derby clues could also emerge on Saturday, April 28, when the #50,000 Group Three Betfredpoker Classic Trial is held at Sandown. Among the 15 entries for the 10-furlong contest, are no less than nine Vodafone Derby entries - Al Tharib, Asperity, Celestial Halo, Chariots Of Fire, Dubai Twilight, Harland, Petara Bay, Regime and Sunshine Kid.
