Derby Day

2:00
Ship Of The Fen has a low weight and should go well. Poets Prince has been running well and is a worthy favourite, but has a a couple of concerns if the ground remains on the soft side. I like Court House, he has been running in decent races last time splitting Old Persion and Department Of War in a listed contest. 6/1 seems a decent price for an each way bet.

2:35
This is a really open race where none of the runners can really be discounted. Stage Name could be anything having only run twice before, stepping up on his debut second to score next time out. Lincoln Rocks, Shenanigans and Wilamina bring Listed and Group race form with them and will all be in the mix. I’m going to go for Anna Nerium after her seventh in the 1000 Guineas. The horses that finished in front have done the form no harm. Happily and Soliloquy finished third and fourth in the Irish Guineas, fourth home Wild Illusion was second in the Oaks yesterday and Laurens has since won a group one in France. On top of that she gets 9lbs from all bar one of her rivals.

3:10
Breton Rock is a consistent performer but probably better over 7 furlongs than a mile, he is also now 8 and not going to be improving. Arod won last time out at Windsor in a Listed race. That was his first win for almost two years and isn’t one to rely upon in this Group 3 although he has been given some tough assignments. Love Dreams has been progressively nicely and will need to continue that trend stepping up in class today. I’m siding with Century Dream, he had been running very well in class 2 races before a poor showing in a Group 2 at Longchamp. He bounced back to win a Listed race at Ascot last time, the third that day has since finished sixth in the Group 1 Lockinge.

3:45
Six places available for each way betting and a real head scratcher. Chances a plenty down the card, BoomThe Groom ran well last time and having Silvestre De Sousa on board can only help his chances, he can be tricky to win with is a note of caution with him. Caspian Prince has a fantastic record in the race having won it three times before, he should grab a place at least. Duke Of Firenze won this in 2013 and has been placed the last two years and should do again. I think Dark Shot could prevail as market leader, he came from the back with an almighty run last year to just fail to get there and his comeback run this year for his new trainer would have put him spot on. Whatever you back ensure it’s each way as this is tricky.

4:30
Roaring Lion stepped up nicely from his Guineas run to land the Dante comfortably last time. John Gosden expected his charge to improve for middle distances this year and he did that well. How could a renewal of that race is open to question and he has been beaten twice by the favourite so hard to see him reverse that trend here. Young Rascal and Dee Ex Bee we’re first and second in the Chester Vase last time, Willie Haggis’ youngster looked impressive that day and having only had three runs, I expect him to hold up that form with more improvement likely against his more experienced rival. Knight To Behold looks another interesting runner having also only run three times, he stepped up to win the Lingfield Derby trial last time and should improve again. Saxon Warrior is a worthy favourite with his Guineas win the best form and best trial for this. He has looked every inch a middle distance performer and being by Deep Impact he should easily get the trip. Hazapour brings the Irish trial form winning the Derrinstown from Delano Roosevelt and The Pentagon. Delano Roosevelt has been crying out for a trip and I think he is and each way player at a decent price, Hazapour will go on the dogfish ground nicely and could figure with Frankie Dettori an interesting booking to ride as he doesn’t for Dermot Weld very often.
I think Saxon Warrior wins and Young Rascal to follow him home.

5:15
Across The Stars is very consistent but hardly wins. Golden Wolf is also very consistent and has only run nine times and could have more to offer at a nice 8/1. Pacify was behind Ajman King last time out and that one has gone in again since to frank the form. Dash Of Spice finished second in that race and it’s hard to see the form being turned around. The 4/1 on offer looks like a nice price to get on.