The Blue Riband Trial has often revealed future Group-class performers or Derby hopefuls, and this year’s renewal features a mix of raw potential and well-bred horses still finding their ceiling. It’s a tricky course to handle, so proven balance and tactical nous count – especially from an inside draw and with a well-judged pace ride.


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Strongest Contender: DEVIL’S ADVOCATE (Gosden / Buick)

Timeform: 115p | Position: Stall 3 | Trainer Record: Gosden has won this race multiple times (Epictetus 2023, Wirko 2021)

Gosden’s runners have a notably strong record in this trial, and Devil’s Advocate looks the next off the line. His Chelmsford win by 7½L in October was electric – he settled, travelled, and kicked clear like a horse with black-type already in the post. That form might only have been against maidens, but the Timeform ‘p’ upgrade and big figure (115p) screams future Group performer.

This is very likely a “go day” – Gosden doesn’t pitch them into Listed Epsom races off 6-month layoffs unless they’re fit and going places. The inside draw is a bonus, and Buick’s booked again. With the average Timeform top-rated in this race historically scoring well, he’s the clear standout.


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Main Dangers:

TRINITY COLLEGE (Aidan O’Brien / Ryan Moore)

TimeWise Top Ranked 🏇🏇

Timeform: 114 | Last Win: Naas (led throughout)
Aidan’s never been shy about using this race as a stepping stone, but his overall record here is surprisingly light considering the Ballydoyle firepower. Trinity College is the likely pace angle and comes in off a convincing 2L win at Naas – but he had the run of the race there and might find Epsom’s turns and undulations more challenging if he’s pressured early.

There’s definitely talent here – he destroyed a Galway maiden by 12L last year and was competitive in the Beresford Stakes (G2) – but this could be a sharpener for summer middle-distance targets, especially if Moore opts to control rather than attack.

> Timeform Comment: “Usually leads… worth a try at 1¼m… acts on good to firm and heavy… improving but may not get easy lead.”



Verdict: Form is strong but possible handbrake if he doesn’t boss the pace. Danger, but not bombproof.


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TIBERIUS THUNDER (Adrian Murray / David Egan)

Timeform: 112p | Ballysax Stakes 3rd (G3), shaping well late
This one screams “trying”. Murray’s UK raiders are always purposeful, and HRB shows a massive +£248 profit when he sends just one runner to a UK flat meeting – a reliable ‘intent’ signal.

The Ballysax 3rd behind Delacroix was solid — especially on just his second run. He showed clear signs of greenness but stayed on powerfully late, shaping like a horse who’ll thrive over further and with more experience. The undulations of Epsom may test him, but the raw talent is there.

> Timeform Comment: “Much improved… still showing signs of greenness… open to further progress.”



Verdict: Genuine danger to all – clear ‘go day’ profile with a Derby-type campaign in mind.


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Interesting EW Outsider: THE CURSOR (Balding / Oisin Murphy)

Timeform: 98p | Doncaster 2nd last time out
Lightly raced and still learning, but that neck second at Donny on seasonal debut suggests big progression from last autumn. Balding’s improving types tend to peak on their second or third run back, and Oisin’s booking is a big tick. Wide draw (6) isn’t ideal, but he’s the type to go well if held up and angled late.

Verdict: Improver who’s not just here for a day out. Could sneak into the frame if the tempo collapses.


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Who’s Not Trying? (Likely Developmental Runs):

MIRABEAU – Smart early 2yo, but ran only over 6–7f and his stamina is a doubt. May be here to test the waters before a return to 1m targets. Trainer’s strong profit stat after layoffs tempts, but looks like a sighter.

SEA SCOUT – Well-bred and unexposed, but both starts on the AW. Drawn widest and looks to need more time or a switch to a galloping track.

PRINCE OF THE SEAS – Eyecatcher at Sandown, but in-running data suggests he traded twice BSP on debut — possible weak finisher or positioning quirks? Doesn’t scream “hard fit for Listed level.”