TODAY'S 240th Investec Derby is a fascinating renewal and it will be intriugung to see how the market develops ahead of the 4.30 start with the protangists. The ground will be very quick and for many that affects Sir Dragonet’s chances, whilst there is a concern about the time between the Dante and the Derby for Telecaster, yetyou have to be impressed with his rapid progression. Of course there are Broome, Anthony Van Dyck and Bangkok waiting in the wings. Fascinating!
2.35 Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored By Investec) (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) 1m ½f
It all went wrong for Akvavera (priced at 6/1) at Goodwood, she basically bolted after rearing in the stalls, but that might have knocked the freshness out of her and she won really easily here last year, despite hanging badly. Worth an each way selection in an open race where the market leaders Nyaleti and Veracios both have something to prove.
Unibet each way 33/1
3.10 Investec Diomed Stakes 1m ½f
Zaaki is the obvious one after taking his form to a new level when defeating Barney Roy at Ascot last time out, the drop back to a mile seemingly in his favour. A repeat of that makes him the one to beat.
Unibet win 13/8
3.45 Investec Dash 5f
One of the races of the meeting and whilst Hathiq has a cracking win chance Recon Mission also makes appeal of those drawn high, as he’s got a few hold-up horses around him and might get first run on them. Has twice come up short against the improving Leodis Dream this season and still looks to be going very much in the right way.
Unibet win Hathiq 9/2
Unibet each way Recon Mission 18/1
4.30 Investec Derby 1m 4f
Telecaster (nap) will relish the very quick ground at can continue his rapid progress and take the 240th Investec Derby, justifying the decision to supplement him. It is true that a longer break between the Dante and the Derby would have been preferable, yet every contender at the top of the market has a question to answer in this year’s renewal.
Unibet win 5/1
Bangkok, this son of Australia, has strong each way claims at least on the back of his Group 3 Sandown Classic Trial success, a course I look for as a reference in terms of stepping up at Epsom. There was plenty to like about the way he moved smoothly up the hill at Esher . At Doncaster earlier in the season he beat Telecaster, who was having his racecourse debut.
Unibet each way 9/1
