Kieren Fallon expecting big performance from Desert Flower
Kieren Fallon has given his unequivocal support to Desert Flower's Epsom ambitions, believing Betfred Oaks glory is a "foregone conclusion" – and would even back the 1000 Guineas heroine to make her mark against the colts in the Derby.
The Irishman mastered the Classics on the famous Downs seven times – claiming four Oaks – during his highly decorated career in the saddle and is now a key component of Charlie Appleby's backroom team at Moulton Paddocks.
An unbeaten daughter of Night Of Thunder, Desert Flower has left Fallon spellbound. He said: "If the filly was running in the Derby I would think she would be very competitive, I would be wanting to back her.
"I think the Oaks is a foregone conclusion and she ticks all the boxes. She settles and will switch off nicely and she will be fine over the trip and she will go on any ground.
"She's the nicest filly I've seen in a long time and I thought she would maybe even be good enough to beat the colts."
Few have ridden Epsom better than Fallon, who has the likes of Oath (Derby, 1995) and Kris Kin (Derby, 2003) on his roll of honour, while in 2004 he did the Epsom double by landing the Oaks on Ed Dunlop's Ouija Board before following up 24 hours later aboard Sir Michael Stoute's North Light in the Derby.
This is an achievement that awaits Appleby and Godolphin's number one pilot William Buick should both Desert Flower and his Derby mount, 2000 Guineas hero Ruling Court, succeed this weekend.
However, while Fallon is steadfast in his belief in Desert Flower, he is wary of the challenge Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle team presents to the Classic-winning son of Justify in Epsom's showpiece event as he puts his stamina to the test.
"I think the Derby is an open race really," added Fallon. "Maybe it's best to stick with Ryan Moore and the draw for Delacroix (in 14) doesn't really matter if the horse is good enough.
"Ruling Court has lots of speed and won the best trial, but will he stay? I think Delacroix is guaranteed to stay whereas Ruling Court isn't. He's a horse with a lot of speed, but if there is a bit of cut in the ground it might not be ideal.
"Aidan has a great record in the race and you have to respect that, but it would be a very nice double if Charlie could do it."
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