KING Power Racing can do little wrong at present and may well have a fancied Derby contender in Bangkok, who won the Group 3 bet365 Classic Trial with the minimum of fuss, justifying 10/11 favouritism in the process.

Silvestre de Sousa was in no hurry aboard the winner, sitting fifth of six as Kuwait Currency led from Persian Moon. He delayed his challenge until two furlongs out, Bangkok moving up smoothly on the outside as Technician and Travel On came close together and bumped heads. Drifting across to the far rail, the winner was in control close home as Technician, still carrying his head awkwardly, kept on for second ahead of Persian Moon.

MATURED

It would be something of an exaggeration to say this looked Derby-winning form, even leaving aside the fact that no horse has won this race and the premier classic in recent times. However, Bangkok seems to have improved and matured since last year and deserves his place in the Epsom line-up, with Betway biggest at 20/1.

“He was poorly drawn on his third outing and we decided to leave him alone after that,” trainer Andrew Balding said. “I was relieved to win this and he’s done everything right at home. I think he’ll probably go straight to Epsom.”