Horse Racing: Slumber puts rivals to bed

What looked another ordinary renewal of Epsom's Investec Derby Trial on paper may have produced something of a surprise package in the shape of the Barry Hills-trained Slumber.

Serious Derby contenders tend to be prepared for the Classic at York, Lingfield or Newmarket rather than risk disappointment over the course six weeks away from the big race itself, and Slumber does not even hold an entry at this stage.

But he left a vivid impression yesterday when quickening right away from the field early in the home straight and is likely to be tested in another trial before decisions are made about a possible supplementary entry.

Slumber (7-1) had finished in mid-division on his only previous start at Newbury last season but left his four rivals, all of whom were more experienced, for dead to win by three and a half lengths.

Hills' son and assistant, Charlie, said: "It was a nice surprise as we really brought him here to get a bit more experience.

"He's not in the Derby but the Chester Vase would be the obvious race for him now. He had been working nicely at home but we thought he'd need it.

"It was only the second run of his life and he's still babyish, but that was impressive."

Jockey Michael Hills added: "It was a devastating pick-up - I was impressed. I don't know what he beat but he gave me a great feel. He wouldn't have a problem getting a mile and a half." Owner Prince Khalid Abdullah already has a number of other key Derby players such as Frankel and World Domination and it would cost him 75,000 to supplement Slumber. Totesport offer odds of 25-1 nonetheless.

The Hills clan were later to double up with 11-8 favourite Barney Rebel, the pick on last season's form for the Investec Specialist Bank Maiden Stakes.

He coasted past Carousel close home and Charlie Hills added: "They went no gallop early on and Michael said he was always confident of winning. We'll look for a handicap." The Surrey track's first meeting of the season acts mainly as an appetiser for the Derby but it still stages two famous old handicaps.

The Investec Great Metropolitan Handicap started off in the middle of the infield in the black-and-white days rather than over the conventional Derby course and was taken in majestic fashion by Michael Bell's lightly-raced Sunny Game and Jamie Spencer.

Following a stewards' inquiry, original third home Rock A Doodle Doo was promoted to second, with Harlestone Times demoted to third. Spencer earlier left his rivals toiling in the Investec Asset Management Handicap aboard the fleet-footed sprinter Falasteen (20-1).

Spanish Duke (14-1) collected the Investec City And Suburban Stakes with the greatest of ease despite his one-length official margin.Eddie Ahern was practically pulling double with two furlongs of the ten left to run as he cruised past Resurge.

Richard Hills had enough in the tank to help 11-4 favourite Baqaat maintain his upward curve in the Investec Investments Handicap.