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Main Sequence was ticketed for the Investec Derby after justifying a jump up in class when extending his unbeaten run to four in the Derby Trial at Lingfield.

The David Lanigan-trained colt was coming off success in a handicap at the Newmarket Craven meeting, but despite flashing his tail proved too determined for the favourite Shantaram, wining with something in hand by three-quarters of a length under Ted Durcan.

There was a big gap to the third Cavaleiro and connections are in principle keen to go on to Epsom with their son of Aldebaran, who was trimmed to 16-1 from 25s for the Investec Derby by Ladbrokes.

Durcan has no fears about his mount getting a mile and a half.

"He was really switched off and settled. He found loads and will stay a mile and a half. He's a lovely horse and is hopefully on the way up. There's no reason to think he won't stay," he said.

Main Sequence carries the famous Niarchos family silks and was watched by racing manager Alan Cooper.

Lanigan said: ""We'll sit down with the Niarchos family and Alan and see how he comes out of it. There is a question mark on his breeding whether he will stay the Derby trip, but Ted said he galloped out to the line and when the other horse came to him he was just a little idle.

"I've been very, very lucky, the Niarchos family have supported me from day one and I'm very grateful for that."

On the fillies front, Vow advertised her classic credentials with an impressive victory in the Oaks Trial Stakes at Lingfield.

Sent off the favourite after winning on her debut at Newbury last month, the William Haggas-trained daughter of Motivator was well placed throughout the Listed event, bowling along on the heels of leader Estrela.

The pair kicked clear at the entrance to the straight and though Vow showed signs of greenness as she veered right then left when hitting the front, she was straightened up by Johnny Murtagh and had no trouble holding the late thrust of Colima by three and a quarter lengths.

Vow runs in the silks of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, whose spokesman Harry Herbert said: "Johnny said she was very green when she came into the straight. She ducked away towards the stands but it didn't stop her, she's got a proper engine.

"She has such a fabulous action, and as she's by Motivator, whose progeny tend to handle cut, we wouldn't be too worried if it was soft at Epsom.

"It's fantastic for the owners, who at this moment have the second-favourite for the Derby (Bonfire) and a live contender for the Oaks.

"We will need to talk to William and Maureen, but I imagine it will be the Oaks as long as she's OK."