Anthony Van Dyck Wins Derby Trial On Return

Classic glory looks all the more attainable for Anthony Van Dyck (3c Galileo - Believe’N’Succeed, Exceed And Excel) after Aidan O’Brien’s Derby hopeful won the Listed Derby Trial at Lingfield on Saturday.

Unseen since November, the bay was sent off favourite due to top-class juvenile form, including two Group successes and another two placings at Group 1 level. Ryan Moore settled him in midfield, waiting until the two furlong marker to chase down the leader Pablo Escobarr (Galileo) and gained a narrow advantage approaching the final furlong. Running on well, he scored by two and a quarter lengths, as the longtime leader stayed on to complete a 1-2 for Galileo.

Moore was pleased with his mount’s performance, later commenting, “I was very happy with Anthony Van Dyck. He was very smooth, travelled beautifully the whole round and took me there very comfortably. He has always had a marvelous attitude and we always felt he would stay a bit further. He's a nice horse to have and will definitely improve for the run.”

Bred by Orpendal, Chelston and Wyatt, Anthony Van Dyck is a half-brother to New Zealand Group 1 winner Bounding. He was bred out of Group 3 winning Australia import Believe’N’Succeed, herself a full-sister to Group 2 victor Kuroshio, from the family of Grade 1 winners November Snow and Morning Line.