Another Derby contender for Galileo

Observational (3c Galileo-Party, by Cadeaux Genereux) is likely to line up in the G1 Investec Derby after landing the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on Friday.

Trainer Roger Charlton feels the Highclere Stud-bred Galileo colt is open to further improvement and, subject to his owner’s approval, the three-year-old will head to Epsom on June 7.

“He’s a tough, brave horse,” said Charlton. “He had to switch around the others, which is tough on an inexperienced horse, especially on that ground. I don’t think any of them wanted the ground that soft but when he was asked he delivered.

“He got the trip well and I think he’s improving. He’ll stay further, he’s balanced, he’s got a nice temperament and will prefer better ground.

“I wanted to run him in the Lingfield Derby Trial but he had a dirty scope so missed a bit of work and it was a slight rush to get him here. If the owner’s keen we’ll go to the Derby and I’ve only had two runners in it before (including 1990 winner Quest For Fame).”

Galileo is responsible for eight of the 27 remaining contenders in the 2014 Investec Derby including hot favourite Australia (3c Galileo-Ouija Board, by Cape Cross), G3 Chester Vase winner Orchestra (3c Galileo-Bywayofthestars, by Danehill) and Listed Dee Stakes victor Kingfisher (3c Galileo -Mystical Lady, by Halling).