Ruling Court in Derby field as Aidan O'Brien runs three
Charlie Appleby's 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court is among a field of 19 declared for the Betfred Derby on Saturday.
For the first time ever the race was subject to 72-hour declarations, with Epsom hoping the change helps to build anticipation as the Godolphin runner attempts to keep his Triple Crown dreams alive.
There will be a second runner in the Godolphin blue as Saeed bin Suroor's Tornado Alert, fourth in the Guineas, also runs for Sheikh Mohammed's operation.
Aidan O'Brien has three leading contenders in Delacroix, winner of the two best Derby trials in Ireland, The Lion In Winter, who was favourite for the race all winter and Lambourn, successful in the Chester Vase.
Ralph Beckett's Pride Of Arras has plenty of followers as he arrives unbeaten and a smooth winner of the Dante at York, which is traditionally one of the strongest trials. Beckett also runs Stanhope Gardens.
John and Thady Gosden also have multiple chances with Damysus and Nightwalker, who were second and fifth in the Dante.
There are two runners from France in Francis-Henri Graffard's Midak and Henri-Francois Devin's New Ground, with the pair both supplemented for the race on Monday.
Charlie Johnston has declared both Lazy Griff, second to Lambourn at Chester, and Green Storm, the mount of Billy Loughnane.
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Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Delacroix can burn off Derby rivals
Delacroix was beaten more often than he won as a juvenile, but Aidan O'Brien's colt has taken his form to a new level this season and can confirm his status as a truly top-class performer by giving his trainer a record-extending 11th victory in the Betfred Derby, this year being run in memory of Aga Khan IV. In five outings last season, he won a maiden at the second time of asking and a Group 3 in Newmarket, but was beaten in a maiden, a Group 2, and a Group 1. Those latter defeats, however, were in tight finishes and the evidence of his two runs to date this season suggest he is a more mature sort, who now knows how to win consistently. After an easy victory in the Group 3 Ballysax on return, he went to the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial, and one couldn't help but be impressed with the way he pinned back his ears and sprinted to the line to win emphatically. That was his most impressive performance to date, and it showed he possesses the type of pace which will be a great help at Epsom. The extra two furlongs of the Derby is an unknown but there is no reason to be massively concerned about it. He is by Dubawi, out of a dam who has already produced the winner of the 14-furlong Prix de Royallieu, and everything points to him having little problem with the trip. He can continue his ascent through the racing ranks by taking this under Ryan Moore, who is bidding for a fifth win in the race. Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court is his closest market rival and while there is enough evidence in his breeding to suggest he will stay the trip, it is a concern that he has never yet raced beyond a mile. Stepping up that far demands an entirely different style of racing and that, allied to the fact he has worn a tongue-tie in both starts to date at three and will do so again at Epsom, is reason enough to skip over him. Dante winner Pride Of Arras has done nothing wrong in his two outings to date and probably did well to win the Dante as well as he did, considering his inexperience and how strangely that race was run. Virtually the entire field still held some chance at the furlong pole, so being able to prevail with more than a length to spare says plenty about his ability. He had Damysus (runner-up) and Lion In Winter (sixth, beaten four lengths) behind him that day, but the question is whether they should have been beaten further considering the way both went through the race. The answer is that, ideally, they should have been, which suggests they could get a lot closer this time, but the winner was having his first run of the season and only second of his career, so there must be every chance he can improve at least as much as they do for the outing. He can confirm the form with them, though The Lion In Winter was a brilliant two-year-old and likely to step up even further now trying a mile and a half for the first time. Lambourn did well to win the Chester Vase but that doesn't look like the strongest trial for this race, while French raiders Midak and New Ground have something to find on what they have thus far achieved, though the latter is worth considering as an each-way bet at colossal odds. Stanhope Gardens, who is closely tied in with Delacroix on Newmarket Group 3 form from last season, is not entirely without hope, given there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree, but he, like Ruling Court, is having his first run beyond a mile. In an intriguing contest, which probably isn't the strongest renewal we've seen in recent years, the progressive Delacroix can extend Aidan O'Brien's hold on the race by giving him, and Ryan Moore, a third consecutive victory in the premier Classic.
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
Biggest Derby field for 22 years underlines unpredictability of Epsom classic
The biggest Betfred Derby field in 22 years lines up at Epsom on Saturday, and if the old saying is 'the bigger the field, the bigger the certainty', the only sure thing about this 246th renewal of racing's blue riband appears to be unpredictability. Even what the elements might do is up in the air, with an unsettled weather outlook making likely ground conditions unclear. The last properly soft ground Derby was in 1983 when Teenoso was the last of Lester Piggott's nine winners. The Long Fellow knew Epsom better than anyone and followed a traditional route to glory. But should the going turn testing enough, it might prompt some enterprising soul to even try his luck up the stands rail, a Derby scenario no one alive can recall happening before. A 19-runner field is the biggest since Kris Kin won in 2003 and reflects a puzzling Derby with no outstanding candidate, and plenty prepared to try their luck in the circumstances. READ MORE If odds were cramped about racing's two superpowers, Coolmore and Godolphin, being in the mix, the presence of the €7,000 purchase Al Wasl Storm smacks of a rare lottery element. A pair of French supplementary entries at nearly €89,000 each suggests a have-a-go attitude too. One of them is Midak, carrying the colours of the late Aga Khan, a five-time Derby winner in whose memory the race is named. Aidan O'Brien's astonishing Derby record means he's looking for an 11th victory in the classic. It includes a historic hat-trick between 2012 and 2014, which the Irish trainer is now looking to repeat following victories for Auguste Rodin (2023) and City Of Troy a year ago. Much speculation about which of the Ballydoyle trio Ryan Moore would ride ended midweek when he opted for Delacroix rather than The Lion In Winter. Colin Keane comes in for the latter, while Wayne Lordan teams up with Chester Vase winner Lambourn. There is another Irish interest with Joseph O'Brien's outsider Tennessee Stud, who might not yet prove to be such a long-shot since he won a Group One as a two-year-old on heavy ground. Scrambling to find form in easy conditions might permeate much of the Derby build-up and those pinning their faith in Moore's judgment can point to Delacroix's narrow defeat in last year's Futurity. William Buick aboard Ruling Court – who takes his chance in the Epsom Derby – after winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA He was beaten a nose by Hotazhell on that occasion, although it looked to be through rawness as much as anything else. In a pair of Leopardstown trials this season, the strapping son of Dubawi has looked much more the finished article. It's hardly surprising, then, that Moore has opted for him. The Lion In Winter was a long-time favourite for the classics, only to have a setback before ever running this year. He then put in an unconvincing display on his Dante comeback. O'Brien is confident of much better now, and those who doubted him in the last two Derby outcomes will have been chastened enough to factor that into calculations. How likely The Lion is to be tamed by the ground is an unknown factor, one that will also be to the forefront of Godolphin's minds for their 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court. It could be a long way from the Dubai desert where he ran in March before getting first run on Field Of Gold at Newmarket. Sea The Stars in 2009 was the last to complete the Guineas-Derby double. Before him, it was 20 years back to Nashwan. To date, at least, Ruling Court hasn't smacked of being quite in that class. The limits of Pride Of Arras's ability are unknown. He won the Dante in just his second start for Galway rider Rossa Ryan. His trainer, Ralph Beckett, is proven at delivering on the big occasion, including the Arc with Bluestocking. Beckett also saddles Stanhope Gardens. Numbers alone mean the chances of getting caught in deadwood around Epsom's famously tricky contours are increased. With everyone fancying their chances of picking up some sort of pieces, space will be at a premium. Jockeyship could prove crucial. After his inspired French Derby effort on Camille Pissarro last weekend, Moore's confidence will be a plus to Delacroix's chance of giving the English man a fifth Derby victory. That would put him level with a trio of riders from the 19th century that includes the legendary Fred Archer. In contrast, James Doyle's best in eight Derby rides to date has been a meagre sixth place. He teams up with the Dante runner-up Damysus. He is a first Derby runner for the Wathnan operation, which is backed by the Emir of Qatar. Since its emergence two years ago, Wathnan has become prominent quickly and the same looks to apply to Damysus, who debuted at lowly Southwell in December. His Dante effort, when last off the bridle and raced from the back off an ordinary pace, was a big leap. If that progress has continued, the Frankel colt could prove each-way value.
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Templegate's Derby tip: ‘He's extremely impressive and has way more to come' – My NAP on a huge day at Epsom
TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive Saturday of racing confident of smashing the bookies. The big race of the day - the year, even - is the Derby and 19 runners go to post for the 3.30 live on ITV1 - although Our man goes through every single runner and reveals his 1-2-3-4 Derby prediction in his brilliant You'll find all his picks below, so grab yourself a free bet offer and back a horse simply by clicking their odds. PRIDE OF ARRAS (3.30 Epsom, nap) He was extremely impressive when winning the Dante at York last time on just his second outing. That was his first start for nine months and he burst through the line to suggest this longer trip will be fine. His high draw could be tricky but not impossible and he has more to come. DOCKLANDS (1.35 Epsom, nb) He has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot. He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time. He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground. VALVANO (4.15 Epsom, treble) He showed lots of promise last season and returned with a solid fourth at Goodwood last time. He should improve for that fitness wise and he handles any ground. Most read in Horse Racing Templegate's TV verdicts EPSOM 1.00 IF it comes up properly soft by racetime, Sparks Fly would be a cracking bet given her superb record in testing conditions. But assuming it's good to soft or quicker, ROYAL DRESS is the one to be on. She was an unlucky third in this last year before striking in this grade at The Curragh. She has since held her own in better races including when third at York last time. William Buick is an eyecatching booking too. Bermuda Longtail looked promising when beaten half a length in a York Listed contest last month and has much more to come. She gets plenty of weight for age too. Skellet progressed last season and is another who should be capable of better for Ralph Beckett. 1.35 DOCKLANDS has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot. He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time. He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground. Persica didn't fire in the Lockinge last time but took a Newmarket Group 3 easily enough on comeback and has won here before. Ryan Moore's a good booking and he's a big threat. Royal Playwright gets the best part of a stone from his older rivals and didn't get the run of the race in the Dante last time. He could take a major step forward here. Royal Dubai wasn't disgraced at Ascot last time and looks the pick of the bigger prices. 2.10 AGAINST THE WIND could be the answer to this tricky puzzle. He has plenty of weight but has been running well with a Thirsk win followed by a fine York third last time. He gets away quickly so should be suited by this track. Naana's Sparkle ran a nice race at Goodwood last time when third and showed lots of pace. He looks on a fair mark. Ruby's Profit got the better of Mademoiselle in that race and they should both be right at home here too after showing a lot of boot. Tees Aggregates saves his best for Catterick so should love Epsom which is another tricky track. He may not be quite good enough to win but could be an each-way bet if you can get extra places. Blinky won a couple on the all-weather before a decent third at Chester last time. A repeat of that would put him in the place picture from what should be an ideal draw. 2.45 JER BATT always faced a tough task from a wide draw at Chester last time yet still ran a good race. He has some fine handicap form over this trip yet is still on a fair weight and the booking of Oisin Murphy is a plus. He'll be right there. Clarendon House is quirky but has enough quality to figure if he fancies it. He went well in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket last time. Last year's winner Dream Composer was also badly drawn at Chester latest but looked much better when second at Pontefract on comeback. He can figure again. Jm Jungle has been placed in hot York handicaps on his past two outings. He likes this trip and is a quick starter so has every chance. Vintage Clarets showed positive signs on the Knavesmire latest and is in the each-way picture too. 3.30 PRIDE OF ARRAS was a brilliant Dante winner at York and has more to come. French raider Midak looks overpriced, while Lambourn would have a say if the rain comes. And you never rule out Ryan Moore on Delacroix , especially as the jockey was simply brilliant on Minnie Hauk in the Oaks. Read my Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
