Fracas wins prep for Epsom

Fracas tuned back a good Group 2 field at Leopardstown in the $160,000 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial on Sunday to earn his way into the Epsom Derby on June 4.

Still undefeated after three starts, Fracas (3-1), a son of In the Wings, scored a short head victory over Alayan under a gutty ride from Jamie Spencer. Winner of the Group 3 Sandown Classic Trial, Fracas covered the 1 1/4 miles in 2:16.48 on ground labeled soft to heavy. The 3-2 favorite, Grand Central, trained by Aidan O'Brien, was third, a length behind the runner-up.

Winning trainer David Wachman said Fracas was most likely to go in the Epsom classic but might also wait for the Irish Derby on June 26 or go in both.

O'Brien had better luck in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial when Belle Artiste scored a mild 7-1 upset over Sky High Flyer.