Loco could be on fast track to America if he lands Winter Derby

Chris Wall is hoping that victory for Premio Loco in the Winter Derby at Lingfield could prove a springboard to bigger prizes overseas for his stable star.

The five-year-old has been a revelation on the all-weather this winter and Wall believes he may have to look to the highly-valuable American programme later this year.

"We haven't made any plans but if Premio Loco wins then we would have to consider the better races on the continent, or in America," said the Newmarket trainer.

"I have never had a horse good enough to run on the dirt in the States but I would think Keeneland and the West Coast would be the targets if we did go down that route."

The continued improvement of Premio Loco has forced Wall to adjust his plans for the horse this season.

He said: "Initially we kept him going this winter for the Ladybird Stakes at Kempton in February but having won that then the Winter Derby became the obvious target."

Premio Loco beat last year's Breeders' Cup Marathon hero Muhannak by five lengths to win his maiden at Lingfield and all four subsequent outings on the all-weather have been successful.

Wall's campaigner is the 5-2 ante-post favourite with bookmakers to land Saturday's £100,000 10-furlong contest and, although he reports him to be in good form, the trainer is concerned about the horse's first attempt at the distance.

He said: "My one worry is the trip but I think he will stay as he is a very relaxed horse and doesn't waste his energy."

Meanwhile, John Gosden's Mafaaz, who earned a place in this year's Kentucky Derby with victory at Kempton last night, has been quoted at 33-1 with William Hill for the race at Churchill Downs on 2 May.