Charlie Johnston’s colt showed enough at Newmarket last month to suggest he is worth backing in an open fieldThere is an old theory in racing that the best trial of all for the Derby is the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, and while many betting maxims are little more than a fast-track to destitution, 2023 could be a year when this one at least has some substance.The traditional trials, at Chester, Leopardstown, York and Lingfield, have failed to identify an outstanding candidate. Continue reading...
Staying the trip is the only significant doubt about the well-backed filly before the Classic at Epsom on FridayIt takes around 20 seconds for a horse to cover the last two furlongs in the Oaks, and for Maqsad (4.30), it could feel like the longest 20 seconds of her life. Stamina is the one significant doubt about William Haggas’s filly before Friday’s Classic at Epsom, but even after support from 7-1 to 11-2 since Thursday afternoon, that is factored into her price and she is well worth supporting to give her trainer a second Oaks winner.Despite having spent some time sifting through the stats for Siyouni’s offspring in search of positive evidence that she will get 12 furlongs, the news...
Trainer’s son Donnacha rides his second Classic winner of the season after his victory in the GuineasChris Cook: Aidan O’Brien and his son Donnacha combined for Classic glory in Britain for the second time this year when Forever Together powered clear in the Oaks on Friday. The filly seemed to be the second-string from her stable behind Magic Wand, who beat her at Chester three weeks ago, but got comprehensive revenge for what now looks an unlucky defeat that day. Related: The Derby: horse-by-horse guide to the 239th Epsom Classic Related: Perfect Clarity can lift the Oaks and claim first Classic for Clive Cox Market Rasen 1.40 Settie Hill 2.15 Windspiel 2.50 Atalanta's Gold 3.25 Pixiepot 4.00 Notnow Seamus 4.45 As You Like 5.20 Pretty Reckless Catterick Bridge 1.50...