20th February 2025 – 7 runners will go to post on Saturday for the BetUK Winter Derby Stakes (Group 3) including recent Stakes race winners Royal Champion and Military Academy.
No trainer has won more renewals of this contest than John Gosden who is searching for a record fifth success in this 1m3f event after winning it with Wissahickon (2019), Dubai Warrior (2020), Forest of Dean (2021) and Lord North (2023).
He is represented this year by the rapidly improving Military Academy who has interestingly been gelded since his taking victory in the Slate Floodlit Stakes (Listed) and could be open to further improvement after just four starts.
Royal Ascot winner Royal Champion has not ran over this trip before, but is the highest-rated runner in this field by 4lbs. He made the perfect start to life for his new stable when beating Tyrrhenian Sea on New Year’s Eve, form which has since been boosted by the runner-up.
The Richard Hannon-trained Persica registered three big-race wins last year, and is rapidly improving interesting on his seasonal reappearance. This represents a steep drop in grade for the 4-year-old who was last seen finishing eighth in the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1).
Champagne Prince has failed to finish out of the front two in his previous four starts and is on an upward curve at present. He has been raised 9lbs for his defeat of Eydon over this course and distance last month, and should not be underestimated for Jane Chapple-Hyam who also runs the formely smart Claymore.
The seven-strong field is completed by Alanya and Pleasant Man.
The action will kick off at 2:40pm with the BetUK Hever Sprint Stakes (Listed) where the hat-trick seeking Marshman is looking to make it two ‘Listed’ victories on the bounce. He has been a revelation since being gelded and having wind surgery last year.
The bumper nine-race card will conclude at 7:00pm with the second division of the Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap over 1m. The going is currently described as Standard.
About Southwell Racecourse
Southwell Racecourse offers a unique blend of charm, excitement and comfort, making it one of the premier sporting venues in the East Midlands. With racing on both All-Weather and Turf tracks taking place throughout the year, we are one of the country's busiest racecourses with over seventy fixtures a year. Southwell Golf Club is also on site, with the front nine holes in the centre of the course.
Sam Cone, Arena Racing Company on 07920 404296 or SCone@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
Hugo Barran, JSC Communications on 07786 913215 or hugo@jsccomms.co.uk
