Part of the Guide to the 2009 Flat season service from Graham Richards. Order your subscription online today for the full service, including newsletters and previews of all major events through the Flat season.

Classic update - all the leading contenders.

Fame And Glory - provisional FSF rating 116

Fame And Glory followed up his fluent Ballysax Stakes win with a commanding victory in the Derrinstown Stud Trial. Dropped towards the rear, as the respective pacemakers set the pace, he made ground three and a half furlongs from home. Once again, he travelled up smoothly to the joined the leaders on the home turn.

With a furlong and half to run, he showed a good turn of foot to sweep past the one-paced Mourayan and Fergus McIver. Having gone clear, Heffernan gave him one good smack (Why, I am not sure). If one wished to be hyper-critical, his tail went round as soon as the whip was administered; though it simply may have been a shock to the system, rather than any sign waywardness.

Three points to consider:

A look at Fame And Glory’s breeding (below) suggests a mile and half will not present any problems. Good to firm would be perhaps as fast as he would care to race on.

To conclude, one could not fail to be impressed with Fame And Glory’s performances this season, leading one to suggest he will be a tough nut to crack at Epsom.

As we can see from the table below the Dante Stakes has been the most significant trial in recent years. I look forward to seeing what this year’s renewal brings forth.

Pedigree of FAME AND GLORY (GB), 2006

Trials record of recent Derby winners

Derby record of Derrinstown Derby Trial winners