Main keeps up unbeaten sequence despite jump up in class

Main Sequence was ticketed for the Investec Derby after justifying a jump up in class to extend his unbeaten sequence to four under Ted Durcan with a cosy success in the Betfred Derby Trial.

The David Lanigan-trained colt was coming off success in a handicap at the Newmarket Craven meeting, but despite flashing his tail proved too determined for the 5-4 favourite Shantaram, winning by three-quarters of a length.

There was a big gap to the third Cavaleiro and connections are in principle keen to go on to Epsom with their son of Aldebaran, who was trimmed to 16-1 from 25s for the Investec Derby by Ladbrokes.

Durcan has no fears about his mount getting a mile and a half and said: “He was really switched-off and settled. He found loads and will stay a mile and a half. He’s a lovely horse and hopefully on the way up. There’s no reason to think he won’t stay.”

Main Sequence carries the famous Niarchos family silks and was watched by its racing manager Alan Cooper.

Lanigan said: “We’ll sit down with the Niarchos family and Alan and see how he comes out of it. There is a question mark on his breeding whether he will stay the Derby trip, but Ted said he galloped out to the line and when the other horse came to him he was just a little idle.

“The plan was if he won today and we were impressed we would do that [go to Epsom].

“The Niarchos family have supported me from day one and I’m very grateful for that.”