Lord Derby challenge for Dover

Dover is out to continue a rich vein of form on his G3 debut in the Lord Derby Challenge Trophy over a mile on turf at Nakayama, Japan, on Saturday, 30 March.

The Keizo Ito-trained six-year-old Admire Moon horse is going after a third straight victory, having scored over the same course and distance when readily taking the Listed New Year Stakes by three lengths on Sunday, 13 January, and won a seven-furlong conditions race at Tokyo in November.

Dover, the mount of Hironobu Tanabe who was in the saddle last time out, is drawn in stall four of the 16-runner field that also features Primo Scene and Maltese Apogee, who have both gained multiple successes at G3 level.

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, commented: “‘We had high hopes for Dover as a younger horse, but he then lost his way somewhat afterwards and spent almost a year in the wilderness.

“However, he is back with a bang and has been successful on his last two starts including a Listed race earlier this year, when he won comfortably.

“Although Dover has already banked more than US$1.25 million in prize money, he has in fact never previously contested a Group race.

“His trainer is very pleased with him at the moment and the low draw will suit. He certainly has a chance.”