Tryster looks hot in Winter Derby

Tryster has an ultra-progressive profile and can take a step-up in class in his stride to land the Group 3 coral.co.uk Winter Derby at Lingfield today (3.05).

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the gelding has won his last three starts and showed improved form on each occasion.

The four-year-old was particularly impressive last time out over 1m 2f at Kempton when landing a class 2 handicap with stacks more in hand than the winning margin of 1 1/2 lengths suggests.

After being held-up at the rear of the seven-runner field, Tryster overcame all sorts of trouble in-running before showing a blistering turn of foot to lead inside the final furlong and put the race to bed in a matter of strides.

It was a very taking performance and one which suggested the son of Shamardal was on a serious upward curve and had the potential to make up into a pattern race performer.

Although this represents a big step up in class, Tryster could not be in better shape and remains open to further improvement.

Another plus is that his handler has a terrific strike-rate of just under 32 per cent at the track in the past 12 months, and with Adam Kirby in the saddle Tryster looks the one they all have to beat.

The biggest danger to Tryster could well be Grendisar who has an excellent record at the track.

Trained by Marco Botti, the five-year-old is three from four over course and distance, with the last of those successes coming in the trial race for this last month.

Grendisar overcame a slow start to finish with a real rattle and beat Lamar by a short-head, and had several of today’s rivals in behind.

Given how the race panned out Grendisar was value for more than the winning margin, and the son of Invincible Spirit is a consistent sort who goes particularly well for jockey Martin Harley.