WHAT A BELL-TER

Published date24 April 2024
Publication titleDaily Star (England)
The son of 2009 Epsom hero Sea The Stars outpointed Aidan O'Brien's Chief Little Rock in the Betfred Blue Riband Trial yesterday

After brushing off his 4-5 favourite and eventual third at the big-race venue, Bellum Justum ran on strongly to hold late closer Defiance.

The three-quarter length success promoted a significant Derby price cut to 25-1 with most major bookmakers.

Balding, who trains horses for the King and Queen, saddled fifth-placed The Foxes for Bellum Justum's owners King Power Racing in 2023.

And he expects plenty of improvement from the latest contender, who could warm up for an Epsom return in next month's Dante at York - which has produced 11 Derby winners since 1960.

"He's up there with our best three-year-olds," said Balding.

"He had a...

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