Arabian Crown aims to prove Epsom potential in Sandown’s Classic Trial, says Racing Post.

The plainest measure of success is how often winners go on to win the Derby, which has not been achieved since Shahrastani in 1986. However, widening your viewpoint reveals more. For example, the 2021 race featured a future Group 1 winner (Alenquer), the Derby hero (Adayar), and an Irish Derby second (Lone Eagle).

The Classic Trial a year later was won by Westover, who became one of Europe’s top middle-distance horses. Adayar and Westover entered the Classic Trial as maiden winners, while Alenquer had been second in a Listed race on his second and final start at two. Zetland Stakes winner Lone Eagle was the only one who arrived at the race with Group form, hinting that looking beyond impressive form in the book can lead to uncovering a star in the field.

Lone Eagle, who won the Zetland Stakes and is set to be the favorite, is supported more by Racing Post Ratings than official ratings, making him a strong contender for the race. Another contender, a son of Sea The Stars who was fourth in the Royal Lodge, shows potential for the step up in trip, considering his impressive debut and stout breeding. War Rooms, on the other hand, did not seem ready for the step up in grade but is expected to improve given his lineage and recent Classic Trial shapes.

The early three-year-olds such as War Rooms are under scrutiny to determine their potential as Derby horses, shedding light on the season ahead. Barry Mahon, racing manager to Juddmonte, owner of Macduff, expresses optimism about the physical development and potential of his horse, indicating that the upcoming race will provide valuable insights. Owen Burrows, the trainer of War Rooms, acknowledges that the race will be challenging but highlights the horse’s improvement and readiness for the tough competition.

Additionally, the trainer of another contender mentions that the horse has had good preparations and is looking forward to the race, further underlining the anticipation and competitiveness surrounding the upcoming event.