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Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP
It looks like this one could be written in the stars MATT CHAPMAN With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Aga wins the Aga Derby. That's fairytale stuff, isn't it? I'm not so sure. I'm talking, of course, about Midak, one of the French raiders supplemented into Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Derby, the world's most famous Classic beamed to you live on ITV. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Kings of Epsom - Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien - have an obvious chance with Delacroix... but I don't think they'll win the Derby Credit: PA Derby Day should always be something special for anyone who loves the thoroughbred. For many it's the ultimate test of the Flat racehorse, and it has tested the best. Winners like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Nashwan and Sea The Stars... as well as those in defeat like Dancing Brave and El Gran Senor. The twists and turns are one thing, the stamina test over a mile and a half of the Epsom Downs another. Will he stay? That will be the question many ask about the majority of today's runners. It's certainly a doubt for 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court, who was hardly mentioned after being chased home by fast-finishing Field of Gold at HQ. Could it just be Ruling Court was the best horse for William Buick and Charlie Appleby? Time will tell. Delacroix really should stay for the Derby King of Trainers, Aidan O'Brien. But Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial victor Delacroix is by Dubawi. In itself that is no bad thing. But the super stallion has had nine runners to date in seven different editions of the Derby and none of them has finished in the first four. Dubawi himself ran in the 2005 Derby, eventually going down eight lengths to Motivator. That was six years after his sire, Dubai Millennium, met the only defeat of his career when sent off the favourite for the Derby. Pride of Arras has only raced twice but looked very useful when romping home from Damysus in a slowly run Dante at York which saw The Lion In Winter pull his chance away in the first two furlongs. Ralph Beckett's challenger, ridden by Hector Crouch, is bred to stay and could be the real deal for owner-breeder Mrs David Aykroyd. Her colours are also carried by Amiloc, who hacked up at Goodwood the other day but can't run here as he's been gelded. Lambourn is a similar type to Los Angeles who ran well behind stable companion City of Troy last year. Another O'Brien raider, Lambourn is proven over further having landed the Chester Vase but he was beaten by Delacroix in the Ballysax. The other I want to mention, before I get on to Midak, is Stanhope Gardens, who is another for Beckett and has always appeared to be a Derby type. Last season Stanhope Gardens was only beaten a neck by Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. That puts him bang in the mix. The son of Ghaiyyath is bred to stay well and had effectively a racecourse gallop at Salisbury the other day when winning an event put on especially for him. But let's get back to my French fancy Midak. 2 Mickael Barzalona celebrates riding Pour Moi to victory in Derby - and I think he'll be doing the same on Midak... though maybe not quite so early! Credit: PA:Empics Sport He runs in the colours of Aga Khan Studs SCEA in a Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV. That means he carries the green and red silks that have been worn at Epsom by legends like Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand. So, naturally, a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak victory would be fairytale stuff under Mickaël Barzalona, who won this on Pour Moi in 2011. Midak is out of a mare by Sinndar and is already very useful. My hope is unbeaten in three races and his form suggests he's a solid, improving Group 2 horse, having scored well over an extended 1m2f at Saint-Cloud last time. He kept on well that day suggesting this trip would suit and of course he's bred for it. 'He's definitely a horse improving with his races and will definitely get the trip,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs. 'We're not sure on his form lines and how it stacks up, but all he can do is win and he's won every start. 'He's going to have to handle the track and he's a big horse with a big, long stride. Mickael Barzalona thinks he will handle the track because he's well balanced. 'We would be very happy to see him finish in the first three or even first five, but he is a bit of an unknown quantity and he does everything easily at home. It's a little bit of a shot in the dark, but we thought it was worth it.' It's the type of Derby to simply 'have a go'. And there would be no more poignant victory than one for Midak. 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: 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.
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP
THE Aga wins the Aga Derby. That's fairytale stuff, isn't it? I'm not so sure. I'm talking, of course, about Midak , one of the French raiders supplemented into Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Derby, the world's most famous Classic beamed to you live on ITV. Advertisement 2 The Kings of Epsom - Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien - have an obvious chance with Delacroix... but I don't think they'll win the Derby Credit: PA Derby Day should always be something special for anyone who loves the thoroughbred. For many it's the ultimate test of the Flat racehorse, and it has tested the best. Winners like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Nashwan and Sea The Stars... as well as those in defeat like Dancing Brave and El Gran Senor. The twists and turns are one thing, the stamina test over a mile and a half of the Epsom Downs another. Advertisement Will he stay? That will be the question many ask about the majority of today's runners. It's certainly a doubt for 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court , who was hardly mentioned after being chased home by fast-finishing Field of Gold at HQ. Could it just be Ruling Court was the best horse for William Buick and Charlie Appleby? Time will tell. Delacroix really should stay for the Derby King of Trainers, Aidan O'Brien. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing But Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial victor Delacroix is by Dubawi. In itself that is no bad thing. But the super stallion has had nine runners to date in seven different editions of the Derby and none of them has finished in the first four. Dubawi himself ran in the 2005 Derby, eventually going down eight lengths to Motivator. Advertisement That was six years after his sire, Dubai Millennium, met the only defeat of his career when sent off the favourite for the Derby. Pride of Arras has only raced twice but looked very useful when romping home from Damysus in a slowly run Dante at York which saw The Lion In Winter pull his chance away in the first two furlongs. Ralph Beckett's challenger, ridden by Hector Crouch, is bred to stay and could be the real deal for owner-breeder Mrs David Aykroyd. Her colours are also carried by Amiloc, who hacked up at Goodwood the other day but can't run here as he's been gelded. Advertisement Lambourn is a similar type to Los Angeles who ran well behind stable companion City of Troy last year. Another O'Brien raider, Lambourn is proven over further having landed the Chester Vase but he was beaten by Delacroix in the Ballysax. The other I want to mention, before I get on to Midak, is Stanhope Gardens , who is another for Beckett and has always appeared to be a Derby type. Last season Stanhope Gardens was only beaten a neck by Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. That puts him bang in the mix. Advertisement The son of Ghaiyyath is bred to stay well and had effectively a racecourse gallop at Salisbury the other day when winning an event put on especially for him. But let's get back to my French fancy Midak . 2 Mickael Barzalona celebrates riding Pour Moi to victory in Derby - and I think he'll be doing the same on Midak... though maybe not quite so early! Credit: PA:Empics Sport He runs in the colours of Aga Khan Studs SCEA in a Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV. Advertisement That means he carries the green and red silks that have been worn at Epsom by legends like Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand. So, naturally, a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak victory would be fairytale stuff under Mickaël Barzalona, who won this on Pour Moi in 2011. Midak is out of a mare by Sinndar and is already very useful. My hope is unbeaten in three races and his form suggests he's a solid, improving Group 2 horse, having scored well over an extended 1m2f at Saint-Cloud last time. Advertisement He kept on well that day suggesting this trip would suit and of course he's bred for it. 'He's definitely a horse improving with his races and will definitely get the trip,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs. 'We're not sure on his form lines and how it stacks up, but all he can do is win and he's won every start. 'He's going to have to handle the track and he's a big horse with a big, long stride. Mickael Barzalona thinks he will handle the track because he's well balanced. Advertisement 'We would be very happy to see him finish in the first three or even first five, but he is a bit of an unknown quantity and he does everything easily at home. It's a little bit of a shot in the dark, but we thought it was worth it.' It's the type of Derby to simply 'have a go'. And there would be no more poignant victory than one for Midak. 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: Advertisement 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.
Rhyl Journal
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
O'Brien keeping Derby options open
The Ballydoyle handler has enjoyed a superb run of results in recognised trials for the Epsom Classic, including victories for new ante-post favourite Delacroix, Lambourn, Mount Kilimanjaro and Puppet Master. He suffered a rare setback when The Lion In Winter could only finish sixth in the Dante at York on his seasonal debut but the son of Sea The Stars is still very much on course for a crack at the Derby. O'Brien said: 'Obviously the lads will decide. We'll discuss what we have and where we are. 'At the moment, it could be the horse from the Vase in Chester (Lambourn), it could be Delacroix and the horse from the Dante (The Lion In Winter). 'Maybe all three will run and then obviously we have the two Lingfield horses (Puppet Master and runner-up Stay True). 'They just have to decide what they want to keep back for Ascot, there is a three-year-old mile-and-a-quarter race, a mile-and-a-half and a mile-and-six at Ascot. 'We'll see how they are all working, talk to Ryan (Moore) and then decide. 'At the moment, Delacroix has gone that route all the time and that's the route our other horses went before they went (to Epsom). 'Everything has been good with him and obviously he doesn't look a slow horse but his sister, by Galileo, got a mile-and-six so you would hope that the Derby distance would be within his range.' Delacroix readily landed the Leopardstown Derby Trial last time out and before that had subsequent Chester and Lingfield scorers Lambourn and Puppet Master in behind when taking the Ballysax at that course. 'They were second and fourth to him in the Ballysax and they came out and ran well in their trials as well,' added O'Brien. The Lion In Winter ran too freely in the Dante following a long lay-off and the trainer admitted: 'We always thought what happened at York could happen but he needed to run if he was going to go to the Derby.' When it was put to him that Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy bounced back from disappointing three-year-old debuts to win the Derby in recent years, he added: 'Obviously they were two exceptional horses and I got it very wrong with them on their first run. 'Because they were so good they were able to come back and do what they did. It's not the first time and won't be the last time. 'We were very happy with the run (from The Lion In Winter), he did exactly what we thought could happen. He jumped, he was fresh and things didn't work. 'He got stopped halfway down the straight and he would have been probably a good third easily. If he hadn't jumped into the bridle and wanted to tear off early, that would have been another couple of lengths. 'Ryan did the right thing, he said 'come back and do this right, this is a trial today'.'
Leader Live
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
O'Brien keeping Derby options open
The Ballydoyle handler has enjoyed a superb run of results in recognised trials for the Epsom Classic, including victories for new ante-post favourite Delacroix, Lambourn, Mount Kilimanjaro and Puppet Master. He suffered a rare setback when The Lion In Winter could only finish sixth in the Dante at York on his seasonal debut but the son of Sea The Stars is still very much on course for a crack at the Derby. O'Brien said: 'Obviously the lads will decide. We'll discuss what we have and where we are. 'At the moment, it could be the horse from the Vase in Chester (Lambourn), it could be Delacroix and the horse from the Dante (The Lion In Winter). 'Maybe all three will run and then obviously we have the two Lingfield horses (Puppet Master and runner-up Stay True). 'They just have to decide what they want to keep back for Ascot, there is a three-year-old mile-and-a-quarter race, a mile-and-a-half and a mile-and-six at Ascot. 'We'll see how they are all working, talk to Ryan (Moore) and then decide. 'At the moment, Delacroix has gone that route all the time and that's the route our other horses went before they went (to Epsom). 'Everything has been good with him and obviously he doesn't look a slow horse but his sister, by Galileo, got a mile-and-six so you would hope that the Derby distance would be within his range.' Delacroix readily landed the Leopardstown Derby Trial last time out and before that had subsequent Chester and Lingfield scorers Lambourn and Puppet Master in behind when taking the Ballysax at that course. 'They were second and fourth to him in the Ballysax and they came out and ran well in their trials as well,' added O'Brien. The Lion In Winter ran too freely in the Dante following a long lay-off and the trainer admitted: 'We always thought what happened at York could happen but he needed to run if he was going to go to the Derby.' When it was put to him that Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy bounced back from disappointing three-year-old debuts to win the Derby in recent years, he added: 'Obviously they were two exceptional horses and I got it very wrong with them on their first run. 'Because they were so good they were able to come back and do what they did. It's not the first time and won't be the last time. 'We were very happy with the run (from The Lion In Winter), he did exactly what we thought could happen. He jumped, he was fresh and things didn't work. 'He got stopped halfway down the straight and he would have been probably a good third easily. If he hadn't jumped into the bridle and wanted to tear off early, that would have been another couple of lengths. 'Ryan did the right thing, he said 'come back and do this right, this is a trial today'.'
Irish Examiner
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
O'Brien keeping Derby options open
Aidan O'Brien is set to fire several bullets at this year's Betfred Derby but accepts that Delacroix has emerged as his leading hope of securing a third straight blue riband triumph. The Ballydoyle handler has enjoyed a superb run of results in recognised trials for the Epsom Classic, including victories for new ante-post favourite Delacroix, Lambourn, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Puppet Master. He suffered a rare setback when The Lion In Winter could only finish sixth in the Dante at York on his seasonal debut but the son of Sea The Stars is still very much on course for a crack at the Derby. O'Brien said: "Obviously the lads will decide. We'll discuss what we have and where we are. "At the moment, it could be the horse from the Vase in Chester (Lambourn), it could be Delacroix and the horse from the Dante (The Lion In Winter). "Maybe all three will run and then obviously we have the two Lingfield horses (Puppet Master and runner-up Stay True). "They just have to decide what they want to keep back for Ascot, there is a three-year-old mile-and-a-quarter race, a mile-and-a-half and a mile-and-six at Ascot. "We'll see how they are all working, talk to Ryan (Moore) and then decide. "At the moment, Delacroix has gone that route all the time and that's the route our other horses went before they went (to Epsom). "Everything has been good with him and obviously he doesn't look a slow horse but his sister, by Galileo, got a mile-and-six so you would hope that the Derby distance would be within his range." Delacroix readily landed the Leopardstown Derby Trial last time out and before that had subsequent Chester and Lingfield scorers Lambourn and Puppet Master in behind when taking the Ballysax at that course. "They were second and fourth to him in the Ballysax and they came out and ran well in their trials as well," added O'Brien. The Lion In Winter ran too freely in the Dante following a long lay-off and the trainer admitted: "We always thought what happened at York could happen but he needed to run if he was going to go to the Derby." When it was put to him that Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy bounced back from disappointing three-year-old debuts to win the Derby in recent years, he added: "Obviously they were two exceptional horses and I got it very wrong with them on their first run. "Because they were so good they were able to come back and do what they did. It's not the first time and won't be the last time. "We were very happy with the run (from The Lion In Winter), he did exactly what we thought could happen. He jumped, he was fresh and things didn't work. "He got stopped halfway down the straight and he would have been probably a good third easily. If he hadn't jumped into the bridle and wanted to tear off early, that would have been another couple of lengths. "Ryan did the right thing, he said 'come back and do this right, this is a trial today'."
