Wirko earns place in Epsom Derby after Blue Riband win
William Buick riding Wirko wins The Blue Riband Trial at Epsom
Wirko booked himself a spot in the Cazoo Derby after a stunning win in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.
Wirko booked himself a spot in the Cazoo Derby after a stunning win in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.
The three-year-old Kingman colt Wirko, who had previously finished second at Wolverhampton before going one better at Kempton in early November, saw off a field of eight runners including 11/10 favourite Uncle Bryn, under Frankie Dettori.
The 11-2 chance - making his turf debut in the hands of William Buick - beat second-place Technique by a head, and even though not originally entered is now guaranteed a starting place in the Derby.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said: "I felt that every horse in the field today had similar credentials and as it's turned out, the first three home were the least experienced in the field.
"Our horse had wintered well and we felt 10 furlongs was going to suit him.
"He has a great staying pedigree on the dam's side, so he ticks a few nice boxes (for the Derby).
"He was one of the horses we hadn't entered for the Derby, so we thought that he could go and earn his stripes into the race today."
The Moulton Paddocks handler plans to give Wirko one more run before returning to Epsom on the first Saturday in June.
He added: "He's in the Derby now and we'll try to get one more run into him to give him some more experience.
"Whether he goes to Chester or Lingfield, we'll see just have to see - we'll see how the horse comes out of the race and take it from there.
"As you know, experience is invaluable going to Epsom, especially in the Derby."
Like Wirko, Technique is set to be back at Epsom next month, for the Oaks.
Martyn Meade, trainer of the filly said: "It looked as though she handled the track and we always thought she would. She is good at home and does everything you want. I just loved the way she just cruised around the side there and coped with the bends. The whole idea was to try her on this track.
"I think we will come back here. I don't think we will go anywhere in between as we can do it all at home. Why risk her doing anything else?"
