Puppet Master just got the better of stable companion Stay True to win the William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes.
It continued Aidan O’Brien’s domination of the trials in recent days, with the Ballydoyle handler also winning the Chester Vase and the Dee Stakes with Lambourn and Mount Kilimanjaro respectively, as well as the Cheshire Oaks and Lingfield Oaks Trial with Minnie Hauk and Giselle.
Ryan Moore pulled a mild surprise at declarations when his name appeared against Puppet Master rather than Stay True, as the latter had won his only start, while Puppet Master had only won one of four races.
O’Brien stated it was down to the experience factor and that ultimately proved crucial as the two began to pull clear.
Stay True did not look thoroughly straightforward on the way round but in the closing stages it was Puppet Master (4-5 favourite) who veered of a straight line.
Briefly, Stay True looked like he might get on top but Moore’s mount was in fact always doing enough and got the verdict by a short head.