Military Order & Eternal Hope firmly on top in Lingfield Classic trials

Military Order (pictured) booked his place in next month’s Derby as he posted an impressive victory in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial, with Eternal Hope winning the Listed Oaks Trial on the same all-weather card on Saturday, 13 May.

A full-brother to 2021 Derby winner Adayar, Military Order settled in third behind Regal Empire and Waipiro in the 12-furlong contest before Inquiring Minds and Regal Empire shuffled the Godolphin runner back to a close fifth after the first half-mile.

Military Order quickened as a space presented itself down the inside rail turning in and the Charlie Appleby-trained colt hit the front under William Buick entering the straight.

Waipiro rallied and challenged for the lead as the front two went clear over a furlong out, with Military Order asserting inside the final half-furlong to prevail by a length and a quarter.

Charlie Appleby said: “It was a great ride by William [Buick] and Military Order has learned plenty again today. He will have gained valuable experience from the run and hopefully it’s all systems go for the Derby now.”

William Buick added: “Military Order had to overcome a track that probably doesn’t really play to his strengths, but he was always there for me. He is a very balanced horse and a beautiful mover. He’s a gorgeous horse and very much like Adayar at this stage of his career.

“He has come through this test great and did everything right, so it’s another tick in the box for him. He has the pace you need for a Derby and a great mind. You always learn plenty in these races at this time of year and I think we both learned a lot.”

Teofilo filly Eternal Hope, also trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, raced in fourth for much of the Oaks Trial as stable-companion Sunset Point made the running.

Sunset Point kicked for home as the chasing pack closed two furlongs out, with Be Happy and Eternal Pearl reeling in the long-time leader entering the final furlong.

Be Happy briefly hit the front but could not repel Eternal Hope, who unleashed a strong run down the centre of the course for a length and three-quarter success.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were delighted with Eternal Hope, who had all-weather experience under her belt. She’s not currently entered in the Oaks and definitely doesn’t want any cut in the ground. We will be watching the weather before deciding if we supplement her or alternatively we will look at the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.”