Maverick Wave's Second In Winter Derby

Maverick Wave kept on well for second in the G3 Coral Winter Derby over a mile and a quarter on Polytrack at Lingfield Park, UK, on Saturday, February 27.

The five-year-old, trained by John Gosden and ridden by Robert Tart, had finished fifth in last year's Coral Winter Derby but did better this time.

The Elusive Quality horse raced in second before soon taking the lead.

Maverick Wave still held the advantage turning into the straight. He could not withstand the challenge of the winner Grendisar, who went to the front inside the final furlong, but ran on to hold second by a length and a quarter from the third Furia Cruzada.

Grendisar, successful by a length and a quarter after coming from last to first, scored in a fast 2m 1.05s.

John Gosden said: "Maverick Wave won the Huxley Stakes at Chester last year and he is a grand old horse.

"It is nice to see him come back - he lost his form towards the end of last year. He had a rough trip to Chicago and didn't quite get over it but he seems to have come back in good order.

"I thought Grendisar put up his usual very professional performance, so it is solid form at this level around this track. We were taking on horses that know the course so well - they probably don't need jockeys!

"We don't have any plans for Maverick Wave right now. He has had two runs on the All-Weather this season and, technically, we could try and squeeze another one in to qualify him for Good Friday. It's a month away, so it is a possibility."

The other Godolphin runner, Festive Fare (Charlie Appleby/Andrea Atzeni), had every chance when second turning in but faded to fourth in the straight.