Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you can find some future winners from last week’s racing.
Classic Fields Take Shape
The final entries for the Oaks and Derby are out—and once again, the Oaks looks the weakest of the four Classics. Just nine were declared and given the lack of middle-distance three-year-old fillies in the population, we shouldn’t be surprised.
Aidan O’Brien has left in three: Whirl, Giselle, and Minnie Hauk. It’ll be interesting to see which one Ryan Moore opts for—my hunch is Whirl.
As for the Derby, there were 20 confirmed entries with all the major ante-post fancies standing their ground. Ruling Court is the form pick and already a Classic winner. If he stays, he probably wins. But unless you’re already on at a fancy price, he’s worth taking on given some stamina doubts.
Moore Derby Dilemma
Does Ryan Moore stick with Delacroix, or will he side with The Lion In Winter?
I said after his Dante win that Pride Of Arras should be favourite—and he would be if he were trained by Aidan O’Brien.
Of the rest, Damysus, runner-up in the Dante, should be suited by the step up to 1m4f, but the Epsom camber is a question mark. Stablemate Nightwalker was slowly away and ran on into fifth at York. He shaped like he’ll enjoy the extra distance, although he might just lack a gear—but he’s one for the frame.
Green Team Racing have a knack of getting a horse to outrun its odds in a Derby so Al Wasl Storm could get into the money at huge odds.
There were also a couple French supplementary entries—Midak and New Ground—which has added late intrigue to the race. The first French runners since 2016 I think. This year's Derby is being run in the honour of His Highness Aga Khan IV so Midak 3-3 would be appropriate winner.
And while we should always treat British forecasts with caution, the weather models suggest there could be plenty of rain at Epsom on Thursday and Friday. Let’s hope the Clerk of the Course is measured with the watering in the days ahead.
Into Epsom in Form
I was among the winners at the weekend and head into Derby weekend in good form. If you’d like my full Epsom and Royal Ascot previews and final picks, you can get them here.
Future Winners
Sandown’s Classy Thursday Card
There was a cracking evening card at Sandown on Thursday, although disappointingly the crowds didn’t turn up. If racing can’t attract a decent audience just 30 minutes by train from London, it has a major problem. Perhaps half-price admission for those travelling from the capital would help?
On the track, Trawlerman landed the Group 3 Henry II Stakes as expected. Runner-up in last year’s Ascot Gold Cup, he looks well placed to go one better this time with Kyprios now retired.
Almaqam was a game winner of the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. He made all and held off Ombudsman. The ground was probably as quick as he’d want it—so easier ground would be welcome—and he may stay further than 1m2f. He’s capable of holding his own in Group 1 company on soft ground. As for Ombudsman, that was only his fifth career start and first loss, but he lost little in defeat. He was conceding 3lb and race fitness to the winner and remains open to better.
Sandown Eyecatchers
Bay City Roller – George Scott
Unbeaten in three as a juvenile including the Group 2 Champagne Stakes, Bay City Roller shaped well when 2½ lengths second to Opera Ballo in the Listed Heron Stakes. He was giving 5lb to a race-fit rival and likely just needed this. He made good headway 2f before appearing to blow up 1f out before rallying. A step up to 1m2f looks ideal and there’s more to come.
Golden Ocean – David Menuisier
Back-to-back winner at Navan last autumn and interesting on stable debut. She finished 7th of 12 behind Hafeet Alain in the mile handicap, not getting the clearest run a furlong out. Oisin Murphy wasn’t hard on her in the closing stages and she’s one to keep an eye on once her yard hits form.
Saturday Eyecatchers
Miss Attitude
Back to form when a 2½-length fifth of 13 behind Habooba in a 5f handicap at York. She did best of the hold-up horses in a race that favoured those up with the pace. Just 1lb above her last winning mark, she’s one to keep on side.
Feel The Need
Won the 7f handicap at York last year but was drawn out in stall 22 this time. He made late headway to finish seventh of 21 and is now back to his last winning mark. Just needs more luck with the draw.
Sergeant Wilko & Pals Battalion – Haydock
Both ran well behind Kodi Lion in Saturday’s 6f handicap, doing best of those who raced up the centre. Sergeant Wilko took well to first-time cheekpieces and should go close when there’s some more ease in the ground. Pals Battalion didn’t get away cleanly but finished well. He remains in form and will appreciate a stiffer 6f.
Volterra a Big Player for Hunt Cup
I suspect Volterra will prove Group class in time and improve further as a 4-year-old. That said, if connections opt for the handicap route, the 16/1 still available with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power for the Royal Hunt Cup looks tempting. Volterra is as short as 8/1 with William Hill — which feels more realistic if he does take his chance.
Tuesday Racing
Glamorous Breeze normally needs a run or two hit top gear, but she was forward enough to make a winning seasonal debut at Chepstow 13 days ago. Up 4lb but looks to have a good chance of following up in the 5f handicap (7:45) at Lingfield.
Form: Won last time ✅
Fitness: Recent run ✅
Conditions: Multiple distance winner ✅
Market: Prominent in betting ✅
She’s 6-20 in field sizes seven or less so no issues with just six runners. On the negative side she’s 0-7, 4 places returning after a last time out win.
In tomorrow's column I'll be looking at Derby's Epsom Meeting.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John