Marco Botti (left) is presented with a trophy by Ladbrokes’ Mike Dillon after another of the trainer’s many big-race successes at Lingfield. (Pic: Courtesy of Arena Racing Company).

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MARCO BOTTI is targeting his sixth win in the past 10 runnings of the Listed Betway Winter Derby Trial at Lingfield Park on Saturday where he saddles all-weather debutant Red Label.

Botti has won Betway Winter Derby Trial five times since 2009, including back-to-back victories with Grendisar in 2015 and 2016 and has booked Andrea Atzeni to ride Red Label who has run well in two starts in Group company since joining the Newmarket handler last autumn.

The four-year-old was third in a Group 3 contest at San Siro in October and then fifth, beaten three lengths, in the Group 2 Premio Roma GBI Racing at Capannelle on November 26.

“Red Label has run a couple of times for us in Italy. I thought he ran a good race in the Group 3 to finish third and it was a respectable run in the Premio Roma when he wasn’t beaten far,” said Botti ahead of the Derby Trial that carries prize money of £45,000.

“The ground was too soft for him in the Premio Roma, but the form has been boosted with the runner-up [Mac Mahon] winning the Qatar Derby.

“Red Label is fit and ready to go, and we are pleased with his condition. From what I can see at home, he goes well on the all-weather and has been working nicely.

“We are trying him in cheekpieces because Lingfield is a sharp track and we want to keep him focused. Based on ratings, he should have a good chance in what looks a competitive race.

“The Winter Derby and Good Friday would probably be the plan after this, although there is also a race in Qatar at the end of the month to consider. We will see how he goes on Saturday and then make a plan.”

The winner of Saturday’s 10-furlong contest is guaranteed a free start in the £200,000 Betway Easter Classic over the same course and distance on All-Weather Championships Finals Day, Good Friday, March 30.

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