Top Lock likely for Classic test

A continued spell of decent weather is likely to tempt Andrew Balding into running Top Lock in Saturday’s Casino At Bet365.com Classic Trial at Sandown.

The Nayef colt overcame a lack of confidence in the market to win narrowly on his debut in a maiden at Kempton earlier this month.

However, he could face the likes of well-backed Derby contender Tartan Bearer in the Group Three event.

“If the ground continues to dry up, we’ll probably run him,” said Balding.

“I think he’s a really nice horse but whether he’s good enough for a race like that, time will tell.”