The John Gosden-trained colt will go to Epsom or the French Derby after his easy win at YorkRoaring Lion is the new 7-1 second favourite for the Derby at Epsom on 2 June after quickening impressively to win the Dante Stakes by four lengths at York on Thursday, but John Gosden, his trainer, warned backers afterwards that his colt is not certain to line up for the Classic. The French equivalent at Chantilly the following afternoon remains a possible target for the winner, who was a close second to Saxon Warrior, the 4-5 favourite to win at Epsom, in last year’s Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Gosden is not convinced that a mile-and-a-half will suit the American-bred son of Kitten’s...
The Duke of York Stakes and Musidora Stakes feature on the opening day as outstanding sprinter Harry Angel returnsThe Musidora Stakes, one of the last significant trials for the Oaks at Epsom early next month, is usually the feature event on the opening day of the Dante meeting at York, but it faces stern competition on Wednesday afternoon from the Duke Of York Stakes, when the outstanding sprinter Harry Angel will attempt to make a successful return to action under a 5lb Group One penalty.The mere presence of Clive Cox’s four-year-old among the entries appears to have frightened off many of his potential opponents, and the seven-runner field is the first in single figures this century. Brando and Tasleet, though,...
The Coolmore boss has reportedly had a big payday in New York but his real works of art are still in County TipperarySo this morning, I picked up three picture books which my daughter can no longer bear to read and took them round to the local cafe, where they keep a couple of shelves of donated reading matter for the nippers. About nine hours earlier in New York, John Magnier of Coolmore fame reportedly sold a painting by Modigliani for $157m, a record for the auction house in question. Related: Derby favourite Saxon Warrior may have three stablemates at Epsom Sedgefield 2.00 Miss Benefitz 2.30 Citadel 3.00 Francky Du Berlais 3.30 Gris De Pron 4.00 Tickerty Boo 4.30 General Mahler 5.00 Master Debonair ...
Following his five wins at Newmarket on Guineas weekend, William Buick could be making headlines againFollowing five wins at Newmarket on Guineas weekend William Buick could be making headlines again in Ascot’s Victoria Cup on Saturday. The jockey is an eye-catching booking for Sabador (4.00), winner of two of his four starts for Ed Walker last year.The grey was last seen getting a luckless run here in the Britannia last June but even in defeat he showed his ability. Granted an even break, he can outrun odds of 16-1. Shady McCoy makes each-way appeal at 25-1. Related: Marwan Koukash bares emotions but keep clothes on after Chester Cup win Ascot 2.15 Thundering Blue 2.50 Barsanti 3.25 Urban Fox 4.00 Sabador...
O’Brien has won four of the last six runnings of the Dee Stakes, but he faces significant opposition at ChesterAidan O’Brien and his extensive collection of Derby candidates have been something of a standing turn at the Chester May meeting in recent seasons, but this year is a little different as Ballydoyle’s best hope for another win at Epsom on the first weekend in June already has his form in the book. Saxon Warrior, the 2,000 Guineas winner, will not be shifted from the top of the ante-post market and so O’Brien’s runners at Chester this week are realistically on trial to be second-strings at best at Epsom next month. That does not, of course, rule them out entirely, as...