Latest news with #OwenBurrows
The Guardian
9 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
The Derby 2025: horse-by-horse guide to all the runners
Trainer/jockey Owen Burrows/David Probert, stall 13 One of two runners in the green and white silks of Ahmad al Shaikh, whose twin passions in racing appear to be having runners in the Derby and paying as little as possible to buy them. It is a hard approach to knock, however, as Khalifa Sat, at 150-1, and Hoo Ya Mal, at 50-1, reached the frame in 2020 and 2022 respectively. In terms of value at least, the owner has excelled himself here, having paid €7,000 for the son of an obscure stallion Affinisea (so obscure that even his trainer admits he had to look him up when al Shaikh's latest purchase turned up on his doorstep). That said, a realistic view of his form – unraced at two, three runs since April, one minor win – gives him next to no chance of success, so each-way backers hoping for lightning to strike a third time are relying on the fact that, like his high-achieving predecessors, he can't read the form book. John & Thady Gosden/James Doyle, stall 15 One of the least experienced in the field with three outings in the book and it showed behind Pride Of Arras in the Dante at York last time. He took a few strides to go through the gears, edging left, before running on to finish second, one-and-a-quarter lengths behind the winner. He did not see a racecourse until December and the rough edges in the Dante offer encouragement there is significant improvement to come,. Definitely an unusual profile for a potential Derby winner – maiden win on the all-weather in December, then two defeats at the start of his three-year-old season – but the talent is probably there if this unique test does not prove to be a step too far at this early stage of his career. Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore, stall 14 Effectively confirmed as favourite when Ryan Moore plumped for the ride on Wednesday from three Aidan O'Brien options and there was a lot to like about the way he put nearly three lengths between himself and the runner-up in Leopardstown's Derby Trial last month. He had solid, progressive form in his juvenile season too, culminating in defeat by a nose in the Group One Futurity at Doncaster, and the 12-furlong trip should be right up his street. The Leopardstown trial has not highlighted a Derby winner since 2002, however, and it was his seventh race, which leaves less room for improvement than most of his opponents Whether the pluses and minuses make him a genuine 3-1 shot is the first question every punter needs to consider. There are tempting options at better odds, and with more room scope for improvement, if they decide against it. Charlie Johnston/Billy Loughnane, stall eight The other half ofal Shaikh's two-pronged attack and his second-string behind Al Wasl Storm according to the betting, although since both are priced in three figures the concept of a first string is perhaps irrelevant. In typical al Shaikh fashion, he cost relative peanuts, having been knocked down for €12,000 as a yearling (Damysus cost nearly 50 times as much). He has already repaid that several times over after finishing one-and-a-half lengths behind Tennessee Storm in a French Group One event last October. Likely to be remembered only as the first Derby ride for the 19-year-old Billy Loughnane, the fastest-rising young star in the weighing room. Aidan O'Brien/Wayne Lordan, stall 10 The third-string in his trainer's challenge for a record-extending 11th Derby according to the betting, but since only three of O'Brien's winners set off as the clear favourite, that is perhaps not quite the red flag it may seem. Rain would be in his favour as he stayed on strongly to win the Chester Vase over an extended 12 furlongs last time out and also has winning form on soft ground, albeit in a weak event at the remote French racing outpost of Craon. Likely to be staying on most strongly in the closing stages, though the obvious concern is that a lack of tactical speed early in the race will leave him with too much to do. Charlie Johnston/Christophe Soumillon, stall three Finished just over a length behind the winner when second in the Chester Vase last month, which is a near-facsimile of the profile Wings Of Eagles brought before his 40-1 Derby victory in 2017. Adayar, in 2021, was another recent winner who was beaten in his trial and with jockey Christophe Soumillon flying in can catch the eye of each-way punters. Any rain will be in his favour. Francis-Henri Graffard/Mickael Barzalona, stall four This year's race is being run in memory of Aga Khan IV, who died in February and whose five Derby winners as an owner included Shergar, whose 10-length winning margin in 1981 remains the record. This late arrival will carry the same green and red colours to the start. It is clearly asking a lot for him to bring them back again in similar style, but he remains unbeaten after three starts and showed a fine turn of foot to quicken clear in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud in May – the same race Pour Moi, the last French-trained Derby winner and with Mickael Barzalona in the saddle to boot, used as their stepping stone to Epsom immortality in 2011. Henri Devin/Alexis Pouchin, stall 17 The powerful Juddmonte operation stumped up £75k to add Henri Devin's colt to the field so he has clearly been showing a good deal more at home than he has on the track. He has finished a close third – at Longchamp and Chantilly – on his two outings this year. In the first of those, he was less than a length behind Andre Fabre's Cualificar, who finished a half-length behind the winner (and from a much wider draw) in the French Derby at Chantilly last Sunday. The 12-furlong trip is also likely to see further improvement. The case in his favour is based on ifs, buts and maybes and he will do well to reach the fourth place required to get his entry fee back. Richard Hannon/Jamie Spencer, stall nine Set off as an unfancied 9-1 shot for the Lingfield Derby Trial – which looks below-par this year – and was beaten nearly four lengths behind Aidan O'Brien's Puppet Master, who was taken out of this race before the final declarations. Has masses of stamina in his pedigree but rather less of the speed a Derby winner needs to go with it. The St Leger already looks a more convincing option even if he is up to running in Group One company (and the jury is out on that too). John & Thady Gosden/Tom Marquand, stall five Finished fifth of 11 in the Dante Stakes at York last month, three-and-a-half lengths behind Pride Of Arras and two-and-a-quarter behind his stable companion, Damysus. Since that was his fifth start there is no obvious reason why he should improve past either of those colts, who have fewer miles on the clock. Bare form does not tell the whole story as he fell out of the stalls and was well off the pace before making eye-catching progress. He joined Damysus on a jaunt down the hill and around Tattenham Corner on gallops morning last week and handled the track well. He seems sure to improve for the mile-and-a-half trip and a top-four finish may not be beyond him. Uttoxeter: 2.00 Miss Goldfire 2.30 Ernest Gray 3.00 Lost Connections 3.30 Baltray 4.00 Hecouldbetheone 4.33 Auntie Maggie 5.05 Crystal Mer. Hamilton: 2.12 Blue Nguru 2.42 Betweenthesticks 3.12 Sea Legend 3.42 Korker 4.12 Yermanthere 4.43 Sir Garfield (nap) 5.17 Arch Legend. Lingfield: 2.20 Dubai Harbour 2.50 Blewburton 3.20 Keybaar 3.50 Gallant 4.25 Touchwood 4.55 Maid In Chelsea. Chelmsford City: 5.00 Eclipser 5.35 Nifty 6.05 Smokey Malone 6.35 Hot Dancer 7.07 Danza Parigina 7.42 Maxident 8.17 Ornately (nb) 8.47 City Captain. Ffos Las: 6.15 Reina Del Mar 6.45 Unspeakable 7.20 Gavin 7.55 Ferret Jeeter 8.30 You Say Nothing 9.00 Twist Of Fatecatch. Ralph Beckett/Rossa Ryan, stall 16 A skim through the list of Derby winners of the past 25 years may suggest the days when a small owner-breeder could mix it with the big guns from Godolphin, Coolmore and Juddmonte are long gone. This year's Dante Stakes winner, though, may beg to differ. David and Vimy Aykroyd have four mares at their Yorkshire stud farm and their once-raced colt by up-and-coming sire New Bay was an 18-1 shot for his trial at York. He showed all the attributes you would look for in a Derby winner – tactical speed, balance, a turn of foot and a willingness to quicken between horses – on the way to victory. His best days are ahead of him with two runs in the book. Soft ground could be a concern – though the same is true for many of his rivals – but he stayed on well on Knavesmire, should get the trip and is a must for any shortlist. James Owen/Luke Morris, stall one As ever, there is a scattering of runners ithat are seemingly there mainly to give their owners a day out. While James Owen is very much one of the trainers of the moment, with a number of decent winners on the Flat and over jumps since taking out a licence three seasons ago, this syndicate-owned runner seems to fall squarely into that category. Well beaten in the Lingfield Trial and the slimmest hope of any on that form. Last of six in what looked a poor renewal of that race last time and while a repeat of his winning form in a maiden in April should be enough to finish in front of Al Wasl Storm – who was a length-and-a-quarter away in second – the other 18 runners will be more of a problem. Charlie Appleby/William Buick, stall seven A Classic winner already in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month and the form of that race received a significant boost when City Of Gold, the runner-up, ran away with the Irish equivalent a couple of weeks ago. That is more than enough to send him to Epsom at the top of the ratings – Timeform has him 4lb clear – but the obvious question is whether his stamina will stretch to another half-mile. The recent record of Guineas winners in the Derby is distinctly mixed with the past three – Dawn Approach, Saxon Warrior and Kameko – all beaten after setting off as favourite. If he stays, he will probably win. If he does not, he certainly won't. Simon & Ed Crisford/Harry Davies, stall 18 The only runner in the field with a 'C' – for previous course winner – against his name, thanks to a narrow success in the Blue Riband Trial over 10 furlongs in April and this is a track that can take some getting used to, running downhill at speed. That is pretty much the only tick in a positive box and the same was true of many previous winners of the same race (in recent years, it has guaranteed a place in the Derby lineup so there is often no reason not to run). The last Blue Riband winner to follow up was Blue Peter in 1939. Ralph Beckett/Hector Crouch, stall two There has been plenty of attention on the trainer's prime contender, Pride Of Arras, but less of a focus on his second string, who has had an unconventional preparation but has some interesting form. The most obvious is a close second behind Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket last October and it is notable that Beckett has made every effort to get him to the post, even persuading Salisbury to stage a race at an evening meeting last month that would give him much-needed prep for the Classic. Stanhope Gardens duly made short work of two opponents and there is little doubt his trainer sees him as a serious contender. Well adrift of his stable companion in the betting and the ratings, but probably close to the top of many punters' lists for each-way purposes. Joseph O'Brien/Dylan Browne McMonagle, stall 12 A Group One winner as a two-year-old in the Critérium de Saint-Cloud, a race that has been won by plenty of top-class colts on the way to a glittering three-year-old career. So far so good in terms of his record at the highest level – Ruling Court, the 2,000 Guineas winner, is the only other in the field with a previous Group One success. On the downside, last season's Critérium – when Green Storm was second – had three runners and was probably the weakest in the race's history. Returned to action in Leopardstown's Derby trial, where he finished around six-and-a-half lengths behind Delacroix. He was noticeably weak in the market beforehand – the implication being that he should improve significantly for the run – but seven lengths is probably asking too much. Aidan O'Brien/Colin Keane, stall 19 The undoubted enigma of the race, not least as his trainer's Derby winners in the past two seasons have been bouncing back from disappointing runs on seasonal debuts. Unlike Auguste Rodin in 2023 and City Of Troy last year, however, The Lion In Winter has been passed over by Ryan Moore after surrendering his unbeaten record with a tame sixth behind Pride Of Arras in the Dante at York. He is bred to appreciate the step up in trip and handed Ruling Court the only defeat of his career, in the Acomb Stakes at York last August, but will struggle to get home if he again fails to settle. A draw in the widest stall may not help in that regard. Respected if only because he has the initials 'A.P.O'B' on his saddlecloth, but the Moore Factor – or rather, the lack-of-Moore Factor – has to be a concern. Saeed bin Suroor/Oisin Murphy, stall 11 The racing landscape has changed significantly since Saeed bin Suroor saddled Lammtarra to win the Derby in 1995, in the earliest years of the Godolphin operation. The trainer's fortunes within the organisation have since waxed and waned, to the point where the man who won four UK trainers' championships between 1996 and 2004 is now a furlong behind Charlie Appleby, his near-neighbour in Newmarket, in the pecking order. Appleby has won two Derbys since Bin Suroor saddled his most recent runner in 2017 and having landed the Classic at the first attempt three decades ago his 24 runners since have all been beaten. Ran a fine race to finish fourth in the 2,000 Guineas and has Oisin Murphy, the reigning champion jockey, to do the steering. He took a strong hold to lead the field for the first six furlongs at Newmarket and looks more likely to appreciate a drop in trip than a step up to a mile-and-a-half. Raphael Freire/David Egan, stall six Kia Joorabchian has ploughed millions into his Amo Racing operation in recent seasons and been rewarded with a couple of placings for big outsiders in the Derby, but his only representative in this year's Classic may struggle. He is, at least, stabled in the right place for a potential winner, as his young handler has taken over at Sir Michael Stoute's Freemason Lodge stable in Newmarket after the legendary trainer's retirement at the end of last year. His form is well short of what is likely to be required as he seemed to struggle to get even the 10-furlong trip at York when finishing seventh in the Dante.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Epsom Derby CONFIRMED runners and riders as Aidan O'Brien pulls horse from £1.5m race ahead of crucial draw
THIS year's Derby declarations - the first to be made 72 hours in advance - are in… and it looks like being an absolute cracker. Aidan O'Brien has declared three for the £1.5million Group 1 - the world's most prestigious Flat race. But, at the time of writing, it was not yet decided who Ryan Moore will ride. Some 19 runners will go to post, with the only one withdrawn at the final stage being O'Brien's Puppet Master. Below are the confirmed runners and riders, ahead of the all-important draw later on this morning. 2025 Derby confirmed runners and riders AL WASL STORM Jockey: David Probert Trainer: Owen Burrows Owner: Green Team Racing DAMYSUS Jockey: James Doyle Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Wathnan Racing DELACROIX Jockey: TBD Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor GREEN STORM Jockey: Billy Loughnane Trainer: Charlie Johnston Owner: Ahmad Al Shaikh LAMBOURN Jockey: TBD Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Owner: Mrs John Magnier,Mr & Mr LAZY GRIFF Jockey: Christophe Soumillon Trainer: Charlie Johnston Owner: Middleham Park Racing & Mr G Griffiths MIDAK Jockey: Mickael Barzalona Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard Owner: Aga Khan Studs NEW GROUND Jockey: Alexis Pouchin Trainer: Henri Francois Devin Owner: Juddmonte NIGHTIME DANCER Jockey: Jamie Spencer Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Stall Perlen Ab NIGHTWALKER Jockey: Tom Marquand Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Juddmonte PRIDE OF ARRAS Jockey: Rossa Ryan Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Mrs David Aykroyd ROGUE IMPACT Jockey: Luke Morris Trainer: James Owen Owner: The Rogues Gallery RULING COURT Jockey: William Buick Trainer: Charlie Appleby Owner: Godolphin SEA SCOUT Jockey: Harry Davies Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford Owner: Mr Abdulla Al Mansoori STANHOPE GARDENS Jockey: Hector Crouch Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Marcstown Ltd and New Chelsea TENNESSEE STUD Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle Trainer: Joseph O'Brien Owner: Westerberg, Tabor, Magnier, Smith THE LION IN WINTER Jockey: TBD Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Owner: Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier TORNADO ALERT Jockey: Oisin Murphy Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor Owner: Godolphin TUSCAN HILLS Jockey: David Egan Trainer: Raphael Freire Owner: Amo Racing 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:
The Herald Scotland
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Epsom's undulations causing Burrows plenty to think about with Falakeyah
'Possibly by the end of the week we will have an answer,' he said. Owen Burrows is weighing up an Oaks tilt for his star filly (Mike Egerton/PA) 'The trip and track are the question marks and if Epsom was a bit more of a conventional track maybe it wouldn't be so much a decision. 'Just with the undulations of Epsom, and she's a big girl who who likes to get on with it, we have plenty to think about, even though I'm adamant she'll relax up behind something as long as they are going a nice gallop.' Of course a shot at the Oaks would see Falakeyah step up an extra two furlongs from the mile-and-a-quarter distance she dazzled over on the Rowley Mile, while a trip to Chantilly on June 15 for the French equivalent would see her remain at the trip she excelled first time out this season. This is eyecatching 👀 FALAKEYAH follows in the footsteps of future Oaks winner Taghrooda winning the @Betfred Pretty Polly Stakes in sparkling fashion ✨ — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) May 4, 2025 Also factored into the decision making process will be the Epsom credentials of Saeed bin Suroor's 1000 Guineas fourth Elwateen who could well be added into the mix by owners Shadwell at Saturday's supplementary stage. Burrows added: 'You have then got to think New Bays, do they stay? There is numerous things to consider and people adding in their opinion as such and it's an important decision so we just want to get it right. 'The owners also have Saeed's horse and she might well be supplemented and that may free us up to go elsewhere, but we will see.'
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘Stacks of staying power and class to match' – Templegate's 9-4 NAP thrives under this jockey
TEMPLEGATE tackles Friday's racing confident of boosting the coffers for a blistering Saturday of action. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. SWEET WILLIAM (3.45 York, nap) He will be delighted there's no Kyprios in the line-up as he chased home the staying superstar a couple of times last season. The Gosden runner had his own days in the sun too when winning the Henry II Stakes at Sandown and the Doncaster Cup. He ended his campaign with another excellent effort behind Kyprios in Ascot's Long Distance Cup. We know he has lots of staying power and he gets on well with regular rider Rab Havlin who can use all his experience in what could be a tactical race. Rebel's Romance has been well backed but he's going beyond 1m4f for the first time at this late stage of his career which has to be a worry. St Leger winner Continuous may be a bigger threat while Aidan O'Brien is in such sizzling form. GLITTERING SURF (3.13 York, nb) She has won her two lifetime starts without breaking sweat on the all-weather and can keep that run going on turf for in-form trainer Owen Burrows. He is running at almost 50 per cent winners this season. This mile trip is ideal and there should be a lot more in the locker with fast ground highly likely to suit. ROYAL APPROVAL (2.25 Newbury, treble) This son of Cracksman showed some promising signs on his turf return at Doncaster last time out. He sees out this 1m2f stronly and has had a little nudge down the weights. He looks massively overpriced and it would no shock to see him make the frame at least. 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:
Glasgow Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Burrows keeping options open regarding Nakheel return
Last seen winning the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster over a mile and three quarters, she could stay over that trip if she ran in the Boodles Yorkshire Cup. However, she has been showing plenty of speed in her homework this year, which is tempting Owen Burrows to start her in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes over 10 furlongs. 'Nakheel is on target for York but to be honest, I'm still contemplating the Middleton as well as the Yorkshire Cup, she just seems a bit sharper this year,' said Burrows. 'She's got an important bit of work to do and that will probably gauge where we go. 'She only ran once at two, won her novice a year ago at Ascot and the penny is finally dropping. I'm not saying it's definitely the Middleton, but she does seem sharper. 'I would have loved to have got a couple of bits done on the grass with her, like everybody. It's a nice problem to have that she seems to have sharpened up anyway, as there will be nicer races to go at over a mile and a half in the second half of the season.' Burrows has made a fast start to the season and the future looks bright. He said: 'The team at home are doing a great job and I've probably had the best start to a season I've ever had, long may that continue. 'Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be able to keep our current strike-rate up but we'll certainly do our best. 'I'm very fortunate this year that I have some nice older horses, a few of the three-year-olds are stepping up and I've got a bit more of a precocious bunch of two-year-olds, I hope to have my first runner next week, which is early for me.' He had two three-year-olds win on consecutive days at Doncaster recently, including Alfareqa, a daughter of Frankel out of Group One winner Millisle, who cost Shadwell 1.6million guineas. 'Her price tag will always go before her but she's always shown me a level at home that she's got ability. We won't get too excited and try and carry a penalty later this month, and the Blue Point horse who won the day before, Remmooz, will try and do the same,' said Burrows.
