The temptation of having a runner in the Investec Derby could persuade connections of Humphrey Bogart to stump up the £75,000 supplementary fee for the Epsom Classic following his resolute success in the Betfred Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield on Saturday.
Despite being the only runner in the field without an entry in the June 4 contest, that scenario may now change with the Richard Hannon-trained three-year-old going one better than on his previous start when getting his head in front in the Listed event.
Having found only leading Investec Oaks contender So Mi Dar too good on his last start, the 9-2 shot rallied well under Sean Levey in the extended one-mile-three-furlong event to collar Carntop by half a length and earn a quote of 20-1 for the Investec Derby with Coral.
Richard Morecombe, spokesman for owners Chelsea Thoroughbreds, said: "We would be very tempted (by supplementing for the Derby) as it appears to be a weak year.
"Unless Aidan O'Brien runs the filly (Minding), then why not as looks like he is an improving horse."
Hannon added: "I didn't think he would get a mile and a quarter but he did that last time. He settled well today and Sean gave him a lovely ride.
"Whether he goes for the Derby or not, I don't know. I don't normally get these problems at this time of year. I'm sure they (owners) would love to have a go."
There was a slight sting in the tail for Levey as he was banned for two days (21 and 22 May) for allowing his mount to drift and bump into third-placed Across The Stars.
Another name was added to the list of Aidan O'Brien-trained Classic contenders after Seventh Heaven ground out victory in the Betfred Mobile Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes.
Despite needing plenty of encouragement from Ryan Moore, the 7-4 favourite wore down her rivals late on to defeat Architecture by a neck and add the Listed prize to her recent maiden success at Dundalk.
Paul Smith, representing the winning owners, added: "She fought well and stayed well, she will have to be in the mix for all the top races now, I think.
"We seem to have some lovely fillies and she'd be up there in the mix for sure, but I would not say for definite that she goes for the Oaks."
On an afternoon designed to unearth clues for the Epsom Classics, a potential contender for the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas emerged after Ashadihan (10-1) ran out a cosy winner of the Betftred "Be Part Of The Action" Chartwell Fillies' Stakes.
The Kevin Ryan-trained three-year-old put her below par effort last time out in the Lowther Stakes behind her when flashing home from the back of the field to take the Group Three prize by a length.
She was completing a double for winning rider Jamie Spencer, who had earlier steered Acclio (9-2) to victory for James Tate in the Betfred "Follow Us On Twitter" Handicap.
Spencer said: "She just didn't handle the track and it was her class that got her through.
"Kevin Ryan was very sweet on her chances and this is my lowest weight in a while. He said it would be worth it and he was right.
"If she had handled the track, she would have won by five lengths. I lost so much ground round the home turn I had to stop and almost go again as the ones at the front had gone.
"(Connections may) possibly have something like the Irish Guineas in mind."
Ed Dunlop continued his flying start to the campaign when teaming up with champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa to take the last two races.
Dutch Uncle (2-1) got the ball rolling for the pair when making all for a length success in the betfred.com Handicap, putting a potential shot at next month's Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot on the agenda.
Dunlop said: "We were going to take a lead but nothing did so we went on. We nicked it on the bend.
"I tried to make him stay too far last year. We might just put him in the Royal Hunt Cup as he is a more than able horse and has a lot of gears."
Debutant Tibr (13-8) completed their double when taking the Betfred TV Scoop6/British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes by a length.
Dunlop added: "He did it well and he will improve for that. We will see about Royal Ascot he is the right shape, but he probably needs to run another race between. He is a tough, strong horse."
Jailawi (13-2) showed he retains plenty of ability when shrugging off a 623-day absence to land the Betfred "Racing's Biggest Supporter" Handicap for trainer Ismail Mohammed.
