Premio Loco claims Derby

Premio Loco: Won the Winter Derby

Premio Loco claimed Lingfield's Blue Square Winter Derby for Chris Wall and George Baker.

The eight year old had to concede weight all round in the Group Three contest having picked up a penalty for his Group Two success at the end of last season but still proved too strong for his rivals.

Baker had the gelding perfectly placed in behind a slow pace set by Our Joe Mac and his charge quickened up well in the straight to take up the running.

The well-backed Cai Shen - who had been forced to travel wide throughout from his wide draw - attempted to launch a sustained challenge but never quite looked to be getting to the 5-1 chance who won half a length to spare with Circumvent a further neck back in third.

Tactical Speed

Baker said: "I wasn't too fussed they were going slow as I knew we had the tactical speed to get out of trouble and it worked out ideally.

"He's been a fantastic horse for all of us and long may it continue. He's lightly-raced so hopefully he can continue at this level for a while."

Looking to the immediate future, trainer Wall said: "It depends on the ground, but we could think of the Earl of Sefton at Newmarket over nine furlongs or failing that the Sandown Mile at the end of April.

"He doesn't like slow ground as he has got older, so they are the next two races to bear in mind."

Owner Bernard Westley said: "I am so chuffed because he should have won it three years ago but was taken five wide on the bend and didn't manage it.

"George gave him a peach of a ride. It's absolutely brilliant."