Ballydoyle Derby hope Recital only third in trial

Recital, one of Ballydoyle's leading Epsom contenders, lost his unbeaten record on his reappearance at Leopardstown yesterday. The Montjeu colt, fast-tracked from a maiden success to win a Group One in France last autumn, was only third as Banimpire proved herself a tough filly typical of those trained by Jim Bolger.

All may not be lost for Recital; indeed, some bookmakers saw fit to cut his Investec Derby odds, though William Hill eased him to 12-1 from 10-1. The colt did not settle in the early stages and Ryan Moore was obliged to get him covered up. Checked briefly in the straight, the odds-on favourite made up ground, but hung under pressure and was a length and a half down at the line. His pacemaking stablemate Regent Street gave Banimpire most to do, harrying her all the way and only beaten half a length. Bolger has the winner in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas but acknowledged that the drop in trip might not be ideal.

There was a bigger shock in the United States on Saturday when Uncle Mo, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and favourite for the Kentucky Derby, was turned over at 1-10 in the Wood Memorial.