NO northern representatives in the Derby, but they held their own in the rest of the races at Epsom on Saturday.

The famous five furlong Dash Handicap was a one-two for the region, with Dandy Nicholls’ Indian Trail beating the Tim Easterby- trained Captain Dunne by a short head.

Nicholls saddled four runners in the race; Strike Up The Band also ran a great race to finish third for the Thirsk trainer.

Afterwards Nicholls said: “It’s our Derby and I am excited for all of us. It’s hard keeping everyone happy when you saddle four, but I thought this one was unlucky here in April when he was drawn wide.”

MIDDLEHAM handler Karl Burke has managed to get his horses to peak at the perfect time, and he was rewarded with a double at the “big meeting”

on Saturday.

Corporal Maddox got the ball rolling for the Spigot Lodge trainer with a game win in the Woodcote Stakes, and a tilt at Royal Ascot might be on the cards for the two-year-old if he comes out of the race okay.

Burke said afterwards: “Nothing is set in stone, but two weeks might be too soon and I think I’d rather wait for the July meeting.”

Baldemar was the second winner of the day for Burke when he came home in front in the concluding six furlong handicap under jockey Liam Jones.

It was the icing on the cake for Burke, as he had enjoyed Group 3 success with Lesson In Humility at Leopardstown on Thursday night as well.

Eva’s Request was also a winner at Epsom on Saturday and trainer Mick Channon is looking to strike when the iron is hot as Eva’s Request is due to run this evening at Pontefract in the Listed Pipalong Stakes at 8:20pm.

It is the highlight of the six race card which is due to get underway at 6:50pm.