An emphatic winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial heading into the race, everything appeared to be going to plan for the Ambiente Friendly team, with Havlin poised motionless in the Epsom straight after enjoying a dream run around the Surrey venue. Those in connection with the son of Gleneagles were surely getting excited as the race developed up the straight, but their dreams quickly came crashing down as City Of Troy effortlessly swept on by to record a tenth Epsom Derby success for Aidan O'Brien.
"I saw my worst nightmare coming up my left!" explained Havlin, who had replaced Callum Shepherd on Ambiente Friendly in the lead-up to the race.
"I've ridden the race many times in my head the last week and it nearly worked like clockwork.
"I thought I would still be travelling at the two (furlong) pole, and he was travelling well. He found plenty, but the winner found that bit extra.
"I knew he was there (Ryan Moore) and I could see City Of Troy coming out the corner of my eye. But I was trying to keep an eye on the loose horse as well.
"I had a decision to make and do I go round the loose horse. I thought my only chance of beating Ryan (Moore) was to go round the loose horse – he could have taken the two of us out if I went on his inside.
"He's been beaten by a better horse on the day and his best days are yet to come. He's still got some growing up to do mentally."
A proud James Fanshawe, who was saddling just his second ever Derby contender, agreed with his jockey and is fully expecting Ambiente Friendly's best days are still ahead of him. "I'm really thrilled with his run, I thought coming to the two pole we had a real chance, but City Of Troy came back to his best," said the Pegasus Stables handler.
"I still hope there's more to come from Ambiente Friendly because he's not yet the complete article.
"His racing is going so much better, and he stayed the trip so well. We had a lovely run round, Rab had him in a good position, he travelled and as an immature horse, he will hopefully keep on improving.
"We have no excuses, and he had a lovely run round. He travelled really well and has just been beaten by a horse back to his best. He ran very well."
