Snow Sky best in Lingfield Derby Trial

Snow Sky proved far too good for his rivals in the Betfred.com Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield.

Double Bluff tried to make all the running and was still in the lead with three furlongs to go, but they were lining up in behind to challenge, with the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Snow Sky (5-1) making smooth progress to hit the front in the Khalid Abdullah colours.

Jim Crowley did not have to be too hard on him to run out a two-length winner over Hartnell, with Godolphin's Sudden Wonder making eyecatching late progress to claim third, a further half a length adrift. Aidan O'Brien's challenger Mekong River was a major disappointment.

Crowley said: "I've never sat on the horse, but I have seen him before. He wasn't doing an awful lot in front and I was impressed with him. He was in front two and a half down and he could have done with a bit of company.

"It's up to connections (if he goes for the Derby), but he's a classy horse and he went round here, so Epsom wouldn't be a problem."

Stoute added: "We're very pleased with that. He ran a very nice race initially at Newbury and he's progressed since. We knew the extra distance would suit him and he handled the track well and couldn't have done it more nicely. He's got a great mind.

"Teddy (Grimthorpe, the owner's racing manager) has to speak to the Prince, but I'd like to see the Dante (at York next week) before committing him (to the Derby). I wouldn't want to jump in now and say he definitely goes for Epsom.

"It does encourage you, but we'll sit tight. He's got the balance, he will handle the track and he's got a great temperament, but I wouldn't like to tell punters to back him today. He ticks all the boxes bar that one."

Grimthorpe said: "I'm very pleased with that. We weren't totally expecting that. We supplemented him for the Racing Post Trophy last year, so he was always rated by Michael. He's quite a big, scopey type of horse, so the button certainly hasn't been pressed on him yet.

"I think we have to go and sit down and give it (the Derby) a consideration. I think in Michael's mind he had him as a King Edward VII type, but he's come and won that. I'm sure he will want to talk to the Prince and see what he wants to do, but it's a happy place to be in."