Talking Horses: Derby contender a thrill for rising star Archie Watson


Nate The Great will be given a chance to earn his place in the Epsom Classic for trainer who set up with three horses in 2016

Archie Watson, fastest rising of all young Flat trainers, has a possible Derby contender in his string. I learned this at a media morning yesterday at his Saxon Gate stables in Upper Lambourn, formerly used by Fulke Walwyn and an early base for Mick Channon in the days of Piccolo.

When Watson started up there in 2016, he initially had just three horses that he’d bought on spec. Four wins that year became 56 the next and 105 last year, when his prize money total broke the £1m mark. Now he has more than 100 horses spread across two nearby sites and is making another strong start to the year.

Related: Derby favourite Too Darn Hot to miss opening race of Flat season

Huntingdon 1.40 Toodlepip 2.10 Saumur (nap) 2.45 Coole Well 3.15 Cracking Destiny 3.50 World Premier 4.20 Pique Rock 4.55 Heavenly Promise 5.25 Keen On
Wetherby 1.50 The Maestro 2.20 Ardera Cross 2.55 Reverse The Charge 3.25 Morraman 4.00 Arthur’s Sixpence 4.30 Trio For Rio 5.05 Never Up 5.40 Sharp Getaway (nb) 
Chelmsford 2.00 Don’t Do It 2.30 Kimblewick 3.05 Goodnight Girl 3.35 Dark Vision 4.10 Lion Hearted 4.40 Holy Tiber 5.15 Waneen 5.50 Imperial Act
Newcastle 5.30 Extreme Appeal 6.00 Addis Ababa 6.30 Devil’s Angel 7.00 Blazing Dreams 7.30 Sylviacliffs 8.00 Munhamek

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