YORK 15:35

Non Runners: MASEKELA (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +11 yds

Time: 2m 9.46s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.8s (105.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 103%, Betfair SP 101.9%

The premier British Derby trial attracted a really interesting field, a mix of those with smart form in pattern events and highly promising lightly-raced sorts, the once-raced Desert Crown coming out decisively on top, ahead of one with lots of pattern-race experience, the form looking well up to standard for the race, which was a fairly-run one, no surprise to see the winner at the head of the Derby market post-race.

DESERT CROWN looked potentially high class in winning so emphatically on just his second start, entitled to be at the head of the Derby market (almost certain to stay, despite some speedy elements in his pedigree) and every chance he'll be one of the stars of the summer; held up, travelled well, good headway 3f out, led under 2f out, quickened clear, edged right, in command final 1f, had plenty in hand; has plenty more to offer, all in all a most exciting prospect.

ROYAL PATRONAGE (FR) over 2f longer trip, saw things out well and ran as well as he ever has, his effort a positive first test for the Guineas form, presumably likely to take his chance at Epsom, no reason to think he won't give a good account of himself, though he will do well to make the frame; held up, smooth headway 3f out, every chance soon after, left behind by winner final 1f, kept on.

BLUEGRASS (IRE) proved better than ever, though he is crying out for a step up in trip, getting badly done for toe as the leaders kicked on early in the straight, out of a very speedy filly, but his optimum distance all from Galileo; prominent, outpaced early in straight, stayed on after 2f out; will be suited by 1½m (and probably further in due course).

DARK MOON RISING (IRE) lacks the fancy entries of the others and ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, showing himself effective at the 2f longer trip; in touch, pushed along early in straight, not quicken 2f out, plugged on final 1f.

KINGMAX (IRE) over 2f longer trip, ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, though whether he will prove at his best at this trip rather than 1m is open to question, his move forward promising more than was ultimately there; steadied at the start, travelled well, effort 3f out, effort flattened out.

WHITE WOLF (IRE) was asked a very tough question, so soon after his debut, and he did as well as could be expected, particularly given how immature he seemed in the preliminaries, sweating, on his toes and coltish; led, took keen hold, shaken up 3f out, headed under 2f out, weakened; he's a strapping sort who is probably capable of a fair bit better still, provided his energies are channelled properly and he isn't overfaced again too soon.

EL BODEGON (IRE) well backed, held good form claims and looked in good shape beforehand, but was below form after 7 months off, perhaps needing the run more than seemed the case, though connections were inclined to blame the ground, his best form at 2 yrs on softer going; tracked pace, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out.

MAGISTERIAL (IRE) was essentially found out in better company, plenty on against the best of these, potentially with more still to come with his sights lowered, though connections were asked by the stewards about the performance, getting upset in the stalls due to the unruly behaviour next to him (from the withdrawn Masekela); dropped out, effort 3f out, made little impression.