Age of Aquarius (right) wins the Derby Trial ahead of Montaff

Johnny Murtagh confounded his critics by riding Age of Aquarius to victory in the Derby Trial at Lingfield.

Murtagh was heckled on Friday for his slow riding of Frozen Fire in the Ormonde Stakes, but this time he set out to dominate from the gate.

Age Of Aquarius, the Aidan O'Brien trained 8-11 favourite, swept wide into the straight at the start of the race.

He was challenged by both Montaff and Father Time but buckled down to win by a neck and a head.

Murtagh, who took over from Keiron Fallon as stable jockey for O'Brien's Coolmore racing outfit in 2008, was full of praise for the horse.

"He's a nice horse, this lad. It was only his third run and he was in front," he said.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Age of Aquarius' win in the Derby Trial

"He's such a long-strider, and Aidan said if I was left in front I should just nurse him along. He stayed on very strong to the line but from now on horses need to improve quite a bit if they are to make Epsom.

"He's a big, strong galloper and he's got a chance - I hope he's there [at Epsom]."

Paul Smith, representing O'Brien, added: "He had to do it the hard way and you wouldn't think there would be any problem with him handling the track at Epsom. He's a good, honest type, and we're very happy with that."

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