Epictetus wins Derby trial at Epsom under mural man Frankie Dettori

Epictetus stated his claim for Classic honours by landing the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.

A winner on debut last season, the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt went on to finish second in both the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket and Doncaster's Vertem Futurity Trophy – where he chased home Betfred Derby favourite Auguste Rodin in heavy ground.

Having handled testing conditions adequately on Town Moor, soft ground on the undulations of Epsom held no qualms and Frankie Dettori aboard the 1-3 favourite was happy to let Andrew Balding’s Stormbuster and Charlie Johnston’s Hadrianus stride on in the early stages.

The gap closed as the field swung downhill towards Tattenham corner and Dettori was still holding on to plenty of horse when they straightened for home.

The Italian asked his mount to extend passing the two-pole and although getting lonely inside the final furlong, was kept up to his work under hands and heels to complete a successful reconnaissance of the Derby track.

However, any decision about whether he will return to Epsom or go to Chantilly for the Prix du Jockey Club will be left until after he has taken part in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York on 18 May.

Epictetus is kept up to his work to land the Listed @weatherbysltd Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial, shaken up close home but ultimately good value for the win in the hands of @FrankieDettori for John & Thady Gosden