The Listed Blue Riband Trial Stakes is the only recognised Derby trial run at Epsom. Though the last winner of the race to achieve the double came in 1939, there was a significant market move on this year’s winner Saxon Street after the Gosden colt impressed on Tuesday.
Saxon Street had raced just once before taking part in the Listed contest. However, he travelled smoothly under William Buick and ultimately pulled two-and-a-half lengths clear. Favourite New Zealand disappointed in fourth for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.
This was an eighth success in the Blue Riband Trial for John Gosden. Though this race has proved no harbinger for Derby success, Cracksman did win the race in 2017 before finishing third in the Classic. Plenty of Group 1s awaited him later in his career. Connections will no doubt hope the son of Saxon Warrior could emulate his riches.
“He handled Tattenham Corner very well” – Buick
The reason for the Blue Riband Trial’s lack of Derby winners is difficult to know. With Epsom being such a unique track, experience of its cambers should be a sought after commodity.
For this year’s winner, that experience was clearly positive. Jockey William Buick confirmed Saxon Street was a natural at the Surrey track.
“From my perspective, I was delighted with him,” Buick said after the race via the Racing Post. “He coped with everything really well and showed a good bit of class.
“He handled going downhill round Tattenham Corner very well, which the good ones usually do. It’s a long way to the first Saturday in June from here, but he’ll improve plenty for it.”
John Gosden, training nowadays in conjunction with son Thady, was also delighted. The step up in class was a concern beforehand, but he passed the test in fine style.
“It was a big jump coming here off a novice win last year, and he’s very much learning on the job, but when William asked him, he picked up nicely.
“He should stay a mile and a half without a problem. We’ll have to decide whether we go straight over that trip or stay at a mile and a quarter next time. There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and the Derby, but that was a nice performance for his first run of the year.”
Quotes for Saxon Street for the Derby ranged between 16/1 and 20/1. The famous race takes place on Saturday 6 June 2026.