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Third Realm enters Derby picture with Lingfield trial win
The Roger Varian-trained Third Realm (3 c ex Reem Three by Mark Of Esteem) advertised his Derby (Gr 1, 1m4f) credentials with an impressive victory in the Derby Trial Stakes (Listed, 1m3½f) at Lingfield on Saturday and in the process handed Sea The Stars (Cape Cross) with his 74th stakes winner.
Last seen breaking his maiden at Nottingham on April 17, the colt took the step into stakes company in his stride when he Adayar (Frankel) by a length and a quarter, while Scope (Teofilo) was a further five and a half lengths away in third.
"We’re really delighted with that," said Varian "He’s a late-maturing horse and he’s coming good now. He’s pleased us in his work at home. We’re really excited about this horse.
"I’ll speak to the owner and see how he comes out of the race, but he’s won a Derby trial and looked to have won it well."
Bred and raced by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the colt is out of three time winner and Listed-placed Reem Three (Mark Of Esteem), making him a half-brother to Group 1 winner Ajman Princess (Teofilo), Group 2 winner Ostilio (New Approach) and Group 3 scorer Cape Byron (Shamardal).
Reem Three herself is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Afsare (Dubawi), while further back this is the same pedigree as Listed-winners Lost Soldier Three (Barathea), Toolain (Diktat), Tantshi (Invincible Spirit) and Summer Festival (Poet’s Voice).
If the three-year-old goes on to land the Derby he will emulate his sire Sea The Stars, who landed the time-honoured Group 1 in 2009.
Sea The Stars, whose stakes winners are headed by 14 Group 1 winners, including 2016 Derby winner Harzand.