Gosden not giving up hope of getting Water To Wine to Epsom
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 6 May 2026
Water To Wine could head to Goodwood after missing a Chester Vase clash with Derby favourite Benvenuto Cellini, with John Gosden not giving up hope of getting the impressive Newbury scorer to Epsom.
The strapping son of Kingman dazzled on his racecourse bow and although initial talk of a Derby tilt was squashed, he was added to the premier Classic at a cost of £14,000 at the second entry stage.
An intended trial at Chester was scuppered after the George Strawbridge-owned colt was reported to be “off-colour”, but the Clarehaven handler is still hopeful of squeezing in a Derby prep race, with Goodwood’s Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes a possible option on May 23.
“Water To Wine was a bit off-colour, but we’ll get him back and see where we are,” said Gosden, when asked to assess his Epsom team.
“The horse who won the Epsom trial (Saxon Street) is an obvious one for the Derby, he’s pointing that way and might run in the Dante first, and Water To Wine if I can get him back on time.
“I’m not giving up on Water To Wine in a hurry, but the horse will tell me, that’s for sure, and he has to be 100 per cent spot on before he runs again.
“Something like the Cocked Hat at Goodwood has been mentioned and then that still means you can go to the Derby if it all works out, but let’s see.”
Meanwhile, the Gosden team could bid to enhance their fine record in Sandown’s Heron Stakes with St James’s Palace entry Yazin, last seen impressively making all at Southwell.
Gosden added: “Yazin isn’t in the Derby and we will go to the Heron with him.”
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