Cecil marking time in classic trial
Legal Bid and Steve Cauthen struck in the Group Three in 1987, but such was the strength of Cecil’s team he landed the Derby itself with another from the stable in Reference Point.
So his representative Father Time has a lot to live up to, and the full-brother to Passage Of Time started his career well last November with victory at Great Leighs.
He returned in a conditions race at Newbury but could only manage third behind the filly High Heeled and The Queen’s Four Winds.
“He ran very well at Newbury and came out of the race nicely,” said Cecil.
“I would hope he has improved with the experience and I am expecting him to run very well – I would really be disappointed if he wasn’t in the first two.”
Cecil believes he will learn a lot more about Father Time’s Classic potential after the test of four decent opponents here.
“Everybody will,” he said.
Aidan O’Brien won the Derby Trial for the first time 12 months ago with Alessandro Volta and Johnny Murtagh believes conditions should be ideal for Age Of Aquarius.
The Galileo colt has only had two starts in his life but has shaped with a great deal of promise.
A comfortable win in a Dundalk maiden was followed by a meritorious run behind stable companion Fame And Glory in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, where he finished a close-up fourth.
“He is a lovely, big horse and was fourth to Fame And Glory in a Group One last autumn,” said Murtagh of his Lingfield mount.
“The ground there (Saint-Cloud) wouldn’t have suited him and going over a mile and a quarter on fast ground will be ideal.”
Cashmans bet: Derby Trial - 8/11 Age Of Aquarius, 3 Father Time, 7/2 Alwaary, 14 Montaff, Sumbe
Oaks Trial: 3 Midday, 4 July Jasmine, 9/2 Floodlit, 11/2 Anice Stellato, 6 Tottie, 8 Inhibition, 12 Sanvean, 14 Wadaat, 50 Spirit Of Dubai.
