Bangkok Books Australia A Ticket To Epsom

The Epsom Derby now beckons for Bangkok (3c Australia - Tanaghum, by Darshaan), after the Andrew Balding-trained colt won the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown on Friday.

Sent off favourite for his maiden win over the same ten furlong trip last month, he was held up in the field of six by Silvestre de Souza. Quickening well on the outside with over a furlong left to race, he soon went clear and was pushed out to score by a length and a quarter, as Technician (Mastercraftsman) stayed on for second.

Balding, who trains the winner for King Power Racing, commented after the race, “Bangkok is a very high class horse. Silvestre was very impressed by him and I think he has won with any amount in hand. I think we will go straight to Epsom.”

Bangkok led home a 1-2 in the race for breeders Barronstown Stud, who sold the winner for 500,000gns as a yearling. Closely related to Stakes winners Tactic (Sadler’s Wells) and Yaazy, his other siblings include the dam of champion miler Ribchester.