Arabian Crown, Second Favorite for Epsom Classic, Emerges as Main Derby Horse after Sparkling Classic Trial Win

The son of Dubawi showed his ability to handle the 1m2f trip by winning the Group 3 Zetland Stakes in October of last year. Buick took advantage of the horse’s stamina from the start of the race, leaving the rest of the field behind as he quickened and galloped up the hill to win by three and a quarter lengths, with Remaadd back in third. Trainer Charlie Appleby secured his first win in the Classic Trial, with his subsequent Derby winner Adayar finishing second in the same race the year before.

Jockey William Buick, winning the contest for the third time, praised Arabian Crown as a uncomplicated horse and expressed satisfaction with his performance, despite the challenging conditions. He also expressed confidence for the upcoming Epsom race. Assistant trainer Alex Merriam highlighted Arabian Crown as the main Derby prospect, mentioning the possibility of another race before the Derby, potentially at Chester.

Trainer Ralph Beckett, on the other hand, was considering a rematch for Macduff with the winner at Epsom, despite the soft ground affecting the horse’s performance in the previous race. The text also mentions that Barry Mahon, the racing manager for owners Juddmonte, and the trainer are not ruling out the possibility of Epsom for Macduff yet and are open to making a decision closer to the race.