Camelot Colt Charges Into Derby Reckoning

English King (3c Camelot – Platonic, by Zafonic) shot to the top of the Epsom Derby market after running out an impressive winner of the Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield.

Succesful on his second start in November, the Ed Walker trained colt was sent off joint-favourite for Friday’s test. He benefitted from a patient ride by Tom Marquand, racing in fifth as they approached the turn for home and needed little encouragement to improve into second at the two furlong pole. Looming alongside Berkshire Rocco approaching the final furlong, he was pushed out to win by two lengths and three quarters, as the front pair finished seven lengths clear of the field.

A delighted Ed Walker said after the race, “The exciting thing is he has a high cruising speed, he has a turn of foot and he stays – those three together are the three qualities you need in a very good horse. He's one to look forward to for the future, not just Epsom.”

Owned by Bjorn Nielsen, English King was bred by Ecurie des Monceaux and Skymarc Farm. He becomes the second exciting son of Camelot to have been bought by bloodstock agent Jeremy Brummitt, who sourced English King at Arqana for €210,000. Brummitt was also responsible for buying Russian Camelot, winner of the South Australian Derby last month.

Another potential star was unveiled later in the day at Newmarket, where the beautifully-bred Ricetta (3f Camelot – Panzanella, by Dansili) made a winning debut for owner/breeder Juddmonte Farms.

The John Gosden-trained filly was sent off favourite and after overcoming a slow start, made headway from the halfway point. Leading inside the final furlong, she won by three parts of a length under Frankie Dettori.