Exciting Gleneagles Colt Storms Clear In Derby Trial

Ambiente Friendly (3c Gleneagles – Roxity, by Fastnet Rock) emerged as a leading contender for the Epsom Derby when running out an impressive winner of the Listed Derby Trial at Lingfield.

The James Fanshawe-trained colt made an impressive debut in September and followed up with a fine third in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes. Stepping up to a mile and three and a half furlongs on Saturday, he was ridden prominently by Callum Shepherd ad was last off the bridle after turning for home. Pushed into a clear lead with a furlong to race, he was eased down close home to beat Illinois (Galileo) by four and a half lengths.

“He was very, very good,” Callum Shepherd confirmed after the race. “I wouldn’t have thought if I was fortunate enough to be in front in a Derby trial I’d be looking around, but that was the supreme feel he gave me. He relaxed so well and then picked up from the bend.”

The performance saw bookmakers shorten Ambiente Friendly to 10-1 for the Epsom Derby. Owned by the Gredley family, the son of Gleneagles was bred by Al Shira’aa Farms.