Pattern-race action returns to Europe for the first time this year with Lingfield playing host to the £55,000 G3 Betway Winter Derby over 10 furlongs. Bill and Tim Gredley's homebred Father of Jazz (GB) (Kingman {GB}) makes his black-type bow and the former Michael Bell incumbent will endeavour to make it four in a row for Roger Varian. He lines up off an impressive handicap score over course and distance earlier in the month and the trainer is hopeful of further improvement from the 4-year-old. “Father of Jazz is a gorgeous horse whose looks match his pedigree,” Varian said. “His progression this winter has come as no surprise as he has always looked a smart horse at home. He lacks a bit of experience compared to his rivals, but I think on ability he is not out of place in this race. Hopefully he can handle the occasion and if he does I'm sure he'll put up a very good performance.”
Fellow Newmarket conditioner John Gosden seeks a record third renewal and sends forth Godolphin's Listed Winter Derby Trial third Forest of Dean (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) for the hat-trick bid. However, he requires a swift upgrade in fortune to overturn recent form with Marco Botti trainee Felix (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who has had his measure twice in recent weeks.
The quintet of contenders is completed by five-time handicap scorer Power of States (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), representing Hugo Palmer, and King Power Racing's Listed Wild Flower S. winner Johnny Drama (Ire) (Lilbourne Lad {Ire}).
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