Maltese Cross, a three-year-old colt trained by William Haggas, has officially qualified for the Betfred Derby following a hard-fought victory at Lingfield on May 9, 2026. The chestnut son of Sea The Stars, ridden by Tom Marquand, held off a determined challenge from Bay Of Brilliance to win the Listed event, securing his place in the prestigious Epsom Classic.
The win at Lingfield demonstrates Maltese Cross's suitability for a Derby campaign, with trainers noting his capacity to handle the required trip, the specific track characteristics, and a preference for fast ground.
The Haggas-trained runner, starting at odds of 9-4, had previously secured a win in a competitive novice heat at Newbury last month. His progression into Listed company at Lingfield was deemed a significant step forward by his connections, who expressed confidence in his potential for longer distances and faster tracks. =="He’ll relish the Derby trip and the track won't be a problem,"* stated trainer William Haggas, echoing sentiments of preparedness for the Epsom Downs.
Read More: Hollie Doyle's 9 Group One wins and Sky Sports role
Maho Bay, another contender with Derby aspirations, finished a disappointing fourth in the same Lingfield trial. The Charlie Appleby-trained horse, who went off as the 11-8 favourite, failed to make a significant impact in a race that saw the top two finishers pull clear of the rest of the field.
Background and Future Prospects
This victory at Lingfield marks a significant milestone for Maltese Cross, who is described as a "game" and "tenacious" performer. His win followed a successful return at Newbury, and Marquand suggested the colt had improved from that outing. Haggas noted that the horse had "a bit of a fight" in the closing stages, indicating a commendable tenacity.
The colt's pedigree, being by Sea The Stars, already positions him as a horse of potential classic calibre. Haggas mentioned that the horse has been showing promise in pre-training and has been well-regarded by his team since early development stages.
Read More: Reform UK Wins Many Seats in Local Elections Across UK
Looking ahead, the connections have expressed optimism about Maltese Cross's chances in the Derby, scheduled for June 6. Provided the horse remains fit and well, a run at Epsom is strongly considered. The horse's ability to handle varied tracks, as seen in his previous start at Lingfield which offers a unique, turning experience, has also been highlighted as a positive indicator for navigating the complexities of the Epsom course. This performance is seen as a crucial confirmation of his "home work" and potential.
