Nahanni shows his Derby credentials at Epsom
The Charlie Appleby-trained Nahanni (3 c ex Final Stage by Street Cry) showcased his Derby (Gr 1, 1m4f) credentials on Tuesday with victory in the Blue Riband Trial (Listed, 1m2f) at Epsom. Gaining automatic entry to the Classic in June following his victory, the win also handed Nahanni's sire Frankel (Galileo) his 89th stakes winner.
Under jockey William Buick, Nahanni kept on well inside the closing stages to deny Grand Alliance (Churchill) by a half length with another neck back to Zain Sarinda (Churchill) in third.
"We always knew he was going to get a mile and a half and it was just nice to see him handle the track. He's had four runs and will probably be put away for the Derby," said Alex Merriam, assistant to Charlie Appleby.
Bred by Godolphin, Nahanni is out of the winning Street Cry (Machiavellian) mare Final Stage who is herself a half-sister to the Group 1 winning pair Kirklees (Jade Robbery) and Mastery (Sulamani) and the stakes placed First Nation (Dubawi).
After finishing second on debut at Kempton in January, Nahanni has won his last three starts. HIs sire is currently standing for a fee of £200,000 at Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket.
