1m4f (1m4f6y) Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (Group 1) (No Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo)
It feels a long time since tipping the Derby winner three years running at odds between 13/2 and 40/1 (plug!), but Minnie Hauk’s Oaks win was our third in a row so we can’t have lost it (plug!). This is a proper renewal and much more like it after some iffy years. I have to start with PRIDE OF ARRAS who to my eye has been the most impressive trialist. His pedigree leaves a bit to be desired but New Bay looks well capable of producing a top notcher and I’ve zero stamina doubts given stride patterns and the way he finishes his races. A theme of his races is his effortless finishing, where he simply takes off. He’s strong in the market and I think the yard know they’ve got a good one. Softer going shouldn’t bother him on pedigree whereas it will definitely be against several of the market principles. Ralph Beckett runs two two and STANHOPE GARDENS won’t be making up the numbers. He ran huge behind Delacroix as a juvenile, handling the undulating Newmarket on ground downgraded to soft immediately after the race, and returned with a facile success when long odds on a few weeks ago. He’s well matched on striding for 12f and has a good chance of staying the trip.
2pts win Pride Of Arras @5/1, 1pt win Stanhope Gardens @18/1, 15:30 Epsom, Saturday
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