Bandari unlikely for Epsom

Bandari blitzed his rivals when winning by a record margin in the Attheraces Sky Channel 418 Derby Trial at Lingfield on Saturday.

But the Mark Johnston-trained colt may still not have done enough to earn a place in the starting line-up for next month`s Vodafone Derby at Epsom.

The entry system for the blue riband contest would mean that having not been entered at either of the first two cut-off points, Bandari`s owner, Dubai-based businessman Abdullah Al-Rostamani, would be required to fork out Stg£90,000 to secure a spot in the race.

And Johnston, who has already trained Simeon and Fight Your Corner to win important Derby trials, remains adamant that his owners should not be made to add to the prize-money pot for the race.

'This horse cost 44,000 guineas,' the Middleham-based trainer said.

'It breaks my heart to say it because I am a fan of the Derby but I don`t see why the owner should have to pay more than twice the purchase price to run at Epsom.'

Of the four top-class colts he describes as his 'middle-distance squad' for the season, only Sir George Turner - second in the Dee Stakes and added to the Derby at a cost of Stg£9,000 last month at the first supplementary stage - is apparently likely to go to Epsom.

'Bandari has been more backward and immature than the others,' Johnston said, explaining why he had not also been put in the race at that point.

'He has less entries but the point is there are still numerous options for us for later in the season. We can go for the King George at Ascot or the Arc de Triomphe.'

The post-race discussions over plans for the 11-4 winner overshadowed what was a thoroughly impressive success.

The winning time was nothing amazing but Bandari drew clear from his rivals along the home straight and finished 13 lengths clear of a four-way battle for second place, which eventually went to Long Goodbye.

On the ante-post betting front, bookmakers Paddy Power offer 10-1 about a Johnston-trainedrunner winning the Derby.

Richard Quinn followed up his win of 12 months ago in the Attheraces Sky Channel 418 Oaks Trial, when booting home 16-1 outsider Birdie.

The winner contested the lead throughout the final two furlongs but looked in trouble when 6-4 favourite Barzah edged ahead 200 yards out.

However, Quinn and Birdie dug deep to seal a surprise half-length victory in the Listed prize.

Three out of the last 10 winners of the Vodafone Oaks have scored here on the way to Epsom success but Birdie will not be joining that roll of honour as she is not entered for the race - or any other Oaks for that matter.

'We were going to go to Chester but I thought the ground would just be on the fast side for her,' said winning trainer Michael Bell.

'I was hoping for a drop of rain but it is pretty perfect out there. The step up in trip has really helped her and she is a tough filly.

'I honestly don`t know where we`ll go from here, I`m just thrilled she`s done it.'

Barzah will also sidestep Epsom, despite running a solid race on just her second racecourse appearance.

Godolphin, on the mark in Singapore with Grandera, struck again with Tempting Fate in the Chartwell Fillies` Stakes.

Jamie Spencer sent the daughter of Persian Bold straight into the lead and she never appeared likely to be headed as she saw off one challenger after another.

She was pressed by Marika and Roundtree in the closing stages but held on to land the Stg£14,094 first prize by a length and half a length at 4-6.