Regime Set Derby Challenge

Saturday´s Betfredpoker Classic Trial winner Regime will not race again until the Vodafone Derby, confirmed Highclere Thoroughbred Racing manager Harry Herbert.

Michael Bell´s progressive colt took the Sandown Group Three in decisive fashion by two lengths, earning himself quotes of as low as 16-1 for Epsom glory.

'He does go straight for the Derby,' said Herbert, who organises the owning syndicate.

'He was a very useful two-year-old last year and we were disappointed he ran so badly in the Racing Post Trophy but he was definitely over the top and the soft ground didn´t help.

'But when a horse like that wins as impressively as he did (at Sandown), he must go for the Derby.

'There will be other trials, but if you´ve done it, you´ve done it.'

There could be a second string to Herbert and Bell´s Derby bow in the shape of the Royal Ascot Racing Club-owned Metaphoric, unbeaten in two starts so far.

Herbert added: 'He´s a real powerful galloper and he won a very hot race at Newmarket the other day.

'We´ll run him, all being well, in the Derby Trial at Lingfield next Saturday.

'He´ll be entered in the Chester Vase but I´d prefer to run him at Lingfield, he would learn more around that bend.

'He´s an improving horse and we need to find out if he´s a legitimate Derby contender.'

(C) PA Sport