A small but intriguing five-runner field lines up for this year’s Group 3 Classic Trial, a race that has often produced genuine Derby types, with Westover (2022) and Bangkok (2019) among notable recent winners. Andrew Balding, who trained both of those, bids to land this for a fourth time since 2015 and once again sends a colt with Group-level form in Windlord.


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Strongest Contender: Windlord (TFR 116)

A second-season campaigner with solid foundations, Windlord progressed steadily last term, culminating in a third-place finish in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at the Curragh. That form has worked out well, with the first and second both turning out smart, and Timeform rate him 116, the top-rated in this field.

Physically imposing, he’s likely to improve again at three and should relish this extended 9f trip. The concern is pace-related — with no natural front-runner in the line-up and Timeform’s pace forecast indicating a weak gallop, Windlord’s typical hold-up style may leave him slightly vulnerable if the tempo is notably steady. Still, with Balding’s excellent record in the race and Oisin Murphy in the saddle, he sets the standard.


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Main Dangers

I Am I Said (TFR 111p)

Visually one of the most impressive debut winners of the backend 2024 season, this colt stretched right away at Newmarket, scoring by over four lengths in a strongly-run novice. He’s bred to stay at least this trip and probably further, being a half-brother to Enfjaar and out of a sprinting family with deeper stamina influences.

He lacks experience but makes plenty of appeal on profile. Timeform mark him with a ‘p’ symbol, denoting significant potential for improvement, and he shaped as though he possesses a smart turn of foot — a potentially key asset in this tactical affair. If fully tuned, he could prove hard to peg back.

> Trainer Note: Ralph Beckett trained Westover, who went on to win this race in 2022, before placing in the Derby and winning the Irish equivalent.



Swagman (TFR 110p)

One of two in here with Group form, Swagman was last seen finishing second in the Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown. Aidan O’Brien has a traditionally strong record in early-season trials, and this son of Saxon Warrior looks a staying type with a solid profile for 10f+.

He’s another with Timeform’s ‘p’ symbol and boasts one of the stronger IPS late-run profiles — ideal if this turns into a sprint off the bend. He’s been off since August, so the market may guide on fitness, but he has the class to go close.


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Others to Note

Damysus (TFR 100p)

Won comfortably on debut at Southwell in December and represents the Gosdens, who are no strangers to shaping Derby hopefuls in this type of race. He clocked a solid timefigure and did it easily, but the bare form hasn’t worked out and he does need to take a fair leap in class. Like Swagman, he’s been off for over four months — watch the market closely for late weakness.

Sir Dinadan (TFR 101p)

Improved sharply with each run last year, bolting up by 8 lengths in a Pontefract novice on his final start. The dam’s family includes useful juveniles, and he’s bred to stay, but the form is several rungs below what’s required here. Connections are respected, but he’d need to take another big step forward.


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Timeform Trends & Comments

Pace Forecast: Weak – horses racing close to the pace or possessing a turn of foot could be favoured.

Trainer Trends: Andrew Balding has won this three times since 2015, including with Bangkok and Westover.

Watch For: Horses making seasonal reappearances (all five) — those that drift markedly on the exchanges late in the day may be needing the run.



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Summary

Windlord brings the best form and the highest Timeform rating into the race and has the right profile for a strong showing, especially given Andrew Balding’s record. However, the likely steady gallop could bring the turn-of-foot horses into play, making I Am I Said a very dangerous opponent. Swagman has depth in his juvenile form and will be finishing strongly if he’s ready to go first time up.

Recommended Watchlist:

Win contenders: Windlord, I Am I Said

Main danger and late threat: Swagman

Market watch required: Damysus, Swagman – both off since last year

Best place chance outsider: Sir Dinadan if pace collapses late