The prestigious Derby is here. One of the most celebrated races in the world, it remains the ultimate test for a three-year-old colt. Run over a mile and a half at Epsom, the Group 1 Classic demands a blend of speed, stamina and balance on a unique track. This year’s renewal has attracted a field of 14 and our Racing Club team have highlighted their main fancies ahead of the big race.
Richard – ACTION 20/1 E/W – Aidan O’Brien’s record in the Derby speaks for itself and the Ballydoyle master once again fields a strong team. He showed his strength in depth last weekend when saddling the first three home in the Prix du Jockey Club and it would come as no surprise to see his runners feature prominently again at Epsom.
ACTION may not have attracted as many headlines as some of his rivals, but his form gives him a chance. He ran with credit in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on testing ground last season and conditions at Epsom could be in his favour if the rain continues to fall. Closely related to last year’s Derby winner Lambourn, he looks capable of improving for this step up in trip. At a big price, he appeals as an interesting each-way contender and should not be underestimated.
Tom – BENVENUTO CELLINI 2/1 – It’s hardly original but you can’t go wrong with backing A P O’Brien’s horses in the Derby – he’s won six of the last nine renewals, including each of the last three. With that in mind, I’m struggling to see past BENVENUTO CELLINI. He’s already tried and tested over this trip, having ran out an impressive winner of the Chester Vase last time out, and the fact that his trainer could have had Constitution River in here (who won the French Derby), suggests he must feel he has a huge chance of winning with the selection.
If you’d prefer to back one at a bigger price, I wouldn’t put anyone off ACTION, who finished ahead of Benvenuto Cellini in the Futurity Stakes last season and ran well behind Item in the Dante last time out. Wayne Lordan remains on board and with cheekpieces applied here, he’d be my each-way play in the race.
Meena – MALTESE CROSS 10/1 E/W – William Haggas saddles MALTESE CROSS, a colt with an impressive pedigree that suggests this trip should suit well, being by Sea The Stars out of a Camelot mare. He has progressed nicely this season, landing a typically competitive Newbury novice before following up in the Lingfield Derby Trial, where he showed a willing attitude. The stable’s recent form provides further encouragement that he can make his presence felt and his trainer certainly knows what it takes to win this.
Matt – BENVENUTO CELLINI 2/1 – I have been keen on BENVENUTO CELLINI since his impressive victory in the Chester Vase. Not only did he win with authority, but it was a performance that stood up both on the clock and to the eye, staying on strongly over an extended mile and a half. The son of Frankel had already advertised his ability when landing the Group 2 Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown and is the chosen ride of Ryan Moore from Aidan O’Brien’s powerful Ballydoyle team.
He has plenty in his favour, including a decent draw, proven stamina and the backing of a stable with an outstanding Derby record. On balance, he looks the most likely winner. The one concern is the weather. If the forecast rain arrives and the ground becomes any worse than good to soft, it would be enough to put me off backing him.
Maltese Cross has a solid profile, arriving on the back of wins at Newbury and in the Lingfield Derby Trial, but stall one is enough of a concern for me to look elsewhere. Therefore, my each-way suggestion is BAY OF BRILLIANCE (10/1). He won both a maiden and a novice in impressive fashion before being beaten just a neck by Maltese Cross in the Lingfield Derby Trial. That was his seasonal debut and he remains open to further improvement. He looks sure to appreciate the trip, stall nine looks a positive and he appears adaptable regarding underfoot conditions.
Odds correct at time of posting – 14:30 Thursday 4th June
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