Investec Derby Trial winner Christophermarlowe has won all of his three starts.

By Simon Jackson.

Christophermarlowe heads the betting at 8-15 with Betfred in a field of five runners set to contest the £100,000 betfred.com Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield Park on Saturday.

The son of Tapit is unbeaten in three starts after an emphatic victory in the Investec Derby Trial at the Spring Meeting at Epsom Downs in late April.

At Epsom the John Gosden-trained colt travelled well for Frankie Dettori throughout the £50,000 Class 2 contest, racing close to the pace for the bulk of the 10 furlong journey before quickening to score by four lengths.

The victory followed wins at Sandown and Epsom last season. He is currently priced at 14-1 with Betfred for the Investec Derby on June 6 and victory in the Listed Derby Trial at Lingfield on Saturday – which is televised live on Channel 4 – will surely boost his chances of running in the Derby.

“I was delighted with Christophermarlowe because, once he balanced off in the straight, he did it well. He has a lovely long even stride and likes this good to firm ground,” Gosden said after winning the Derby Trial.

“Frankie said Christophermarlowe really went strong and took him all the way down to the stables so a mile and a half will be his game. He handled the track well enough, he has been here before.

“I see no reason why he should not run in the Investec Derby. He has only had three runs during his life. He has a lovely manner about him, is very honest and a good doer.

“I see him as a big boy with lots of improvement so there is no reason why he won’t be back here on the first Saturday in June.”

Dettori, who won the Derby on Authorized in 2007, believes that Christophermarlowe possesses the ‘ingredients’ that are necessary for a Derby contender.

“It was a good performance. It is natural for horses to go left here but he is a great galloper and very well balanced,” the jockey said.

“He galloped out really strong which is always a good sign. I pulled him up at the dead-end, which does not happen too often.

“He has passed his first test with flying colours and now will be stepped up a bit more. He has the right ingredients for the Investec Derby. We know he handles the track and he stays so we are half-way there.”

betfred.com Derby Trial – sponsors bet: 8/15 Christophermarlowe, 5 Kilimanjaro, 11/2 Bartholomew Fair, 14 Magic Dancer, 20 Red Tornado.

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.