KOBE, TREATY AND CRYSTAL SET TO TRIAL AT TOWCESTER

Ian Fortune

The Irish challenge for the English Derby is beginning to take shape and there are some notable performers set to trial at Towcester on Sunday.

Just a couple of days after the huge news that Boylesports Derby champion The Other Kobe is back in training with Graham Holland for a crack at the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby, he is set to trial over 500m.

He will be joined by his new kennel companion, the Leger, 2023 Kirby Memorial and recent Easter Cup winner Clonbrien Treaty, while Holland also trials his Derby runner-up Bockos Crystal. Paul Hennessy is set to trial his powerful Easter Cup finalist, Boylesports Bob.

CRAZE HOT FAVOURITE FOR MAIDEN DERBY

Of course, Hennessy has three runners in the KAB Maiden Derby on the same card with his Jaytee Craze odds-on to land the valuable prize. He will be joined in the decider by his kennel companions Barefoot Awesome and Jaytee Etienne, while Graham Holland sends out Garfiney Blake.

LAURELS AND DERBY CHAMPIONS FOR TRIAL STAKES

High Trend and Gaytime Nemo represent Ireland and Graham Holland in the Derby Trial Stakes on the undercard. High Trend has a favourable draw on the fence but a lack of experience around Towcester is a concern, while Gaytime Nemo also lines up on the fence.

The reigning English Derby champion was out of luck in his comeback run last week but is likely to improve considerably for that run.