Leading Epsom Derby contender Midterm has begun his campaign with a Group Three win at Sandown.

Despite just the one Newbury maiden win to his name, the son of Galileo out of six-time Group One winner Midday demonstrated why he is so prominent in the betting for the June 4 Classic.

Sent out the 8-11 favourite in Friday's Classic Trial (2000m), Midterm ran out a decisive 1-1/2 length winner under Ryan Moore.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt is now as short as 6-1 for the Derby.

"I was pleased, because he doesn't work well at home," Stoute said.

"He wouldn't beat a decent maiden. He hasn't done an impressive piece of work yet.

"But he's such a beautiful athlete with a great pedigree.

While the Newmarket handler was delighted that Midterm passed his first test of the season, he refused to get too carried away.

"He had to perform today for him to be considered a Derby horse," he said.

"He is a good quality horse with a good attitude and we can afford to be hopeful, but he still has a long way to go.

"We'll go for one of the trials now, either Chester or York. We'll work it out."