as a result of these victories he was a leading fancy for the 1988 epsom derby, starting as the 9-2 second favourite. he disappointed in the classic, finishing seventh behind kahyasi. this was the only occasion, apart from his debut, on which he was beaten by horse of his own generation. it was also the only race of his career in which he was not ridden by carson, who chose to ride minster son, a colt he had bred himself. the ride instead went to steve cauthen.