Andy Holding likes an 8/1 shot for the headline race at Epsom.
16:30 Epsom
Having dominated the world’s oldest Classic in recent times, Aidan O’Brien is once again the starting point for this year’s renewal sending seven of the 13-strong field to post, and with at least three or four having very strong claims, it’s a tricky conundrum for punters.
Top of the pile, at least according to the betting and jockey bookings, is Sir Dragonet, who shot towards the top of most ante post lists with his impressive display in the Chester Vase earlier this month. Having only landed a maiden at Tipperary on his previous outing, it appeared a big ask for the son of Camelot to tackle a Group 3 on just his second career start, but in coming through with flying colours, he posted the sort of numbers that indicated he is a colt of the very highest class. Sir Dragonet coped easily with a strong pace that day before quickening up in taking fashion to pull well clear in the closing stages and, with his back-end sectionals also revealing he ran to a pretty smart standard on the Roodee, he clearly deserves to take his chance. The only negatives derive from the fact there has been plenty of ease underfoot for both his victories and he has the widest draw to overcome, but other than that, this well-balanced and strong-staying colt bears all the hallmarks of many previous winners.
Anthony Van Dyck was workmanlike rather than spectacular when winning the Lingfield Derby trial on his seasonal return, but at least he proved he shouldn’t have any problems handling the track and he is a dangerous one to dismiss with the lively ground conditions likely to suit him better than some. Placed in two Group 1’s over seven furlongs and a mile at two, the Galileo colt was always going to come into his own over middle distances as a three-year-old and this likeable and honest type looks sure to run his race.
Broome was also a bit underwhelming on the eye when capturing the Derrinstown Stud Stakes at Leopardstown but, at the same time, he looks the type who will come alive given a strongly run 12 furlongs over a stiff track and he rates an intriguing contender. Taking ages to hit top gear at the Dublin-based venue, he ultimately looked quite impressive once in full cry and providing he doesn’t get caught up in traffic through lack of tactical speed, he’s another for whom this test should suit.
Circus Maximus was probably the least spectacular of the stable’s trial winners when landing the Dee Stakes at Chester but he too has plenty of likeable qualities and is another that could improve dramatically for the step up in trip. Japan was a little disappointing in the Dante at York but, as he was expected to need the run and is bred to get stay extremely well, the stiffer test he faces on Saturday could see him in a different light.
Away from those housed at Ballydoyle and Telecaster appears the obvious threat based on his victory in the Dante at York. Heading into that clash on the Knavesmire on the back of a big performance in a novice event at Windsor, Hughie Morrison’s colt exceeded all expectations with a performance of some repute in what turned out to be a well-run race and, with connections going to the trouble of supplementing the son of New Approach to the tune of 85,000, it is pretty clear they feel the investment will be rewarded in the best possible fashion. The only worry would be his un-favourable inside draw, as no Derby has been won from a horse housed in gate 2 since stalls were introduced in 1967. Madhmoon is also worthy of a mention based on his excellent run in the Guineas and as connections have always seen him as a stayer in the making, he rates one of the more intriguing priced in the double-figure bracket.
In conclusion, a race impossible to be dogmatic about, but for those looking for an involvement on one likely to figure courtesy of his proven stamina, ANTHONY VAN DYCK just about edges the argument as an each-way value bet at the prices – especially with some firms offering four places.
