Pukka on course for Derby after workout

Pukka is on course for the Vodafone Derby after pleasing connections in a workout at Newmarket this morning.

Luca Cumani’s colt won a Newbury handicap on his return earlier this month to warrant a quote of 66-1 from William Hill to give the Newmarket trainer his third Derby, following wins with Kahyasi in 1988 and High-Rise 10 years later.

Pukka was due to obtain first-hand experience of Epsom today, but the trip was cancelled following an outbreak of strangles close to the track.

“He worked fine this morning and we are happy with him,” trainer’s wife Sara Cumani said.

“He carries on towards the Derby providing he (Cumani) is happy with him after Saturday, when he’ll have another spin.”

Pukka did manage some practice round a Derby-style bend this morning.

“He went the wrong way round the Limekilns, which is what we did with Kahyasi,” Mrs Cumani continued.

“It was a shame not to go to Epsom, but we are happy with what we did.

“He’s been round a bend at Lingfield. He’s a very handy, well-balanced little horse, so Epsom shouldn’t be a problem.

“He’s got some plusses. He’ll definitely stay and has an incredibly good temperament.

“Whether he’s good enough we’ll only know by running him. There’s only one Derby and it looks fairly open, so it’s worth a shot.”