GEORGE BOUGHEY: Oaks and Derby Preview

Derby weekend is always one of the highlights of the Flat season, and it’s great to head to Epsom with a team of runners across the two days. Royal Ascot is now just over 10 days away too, so preparations are really starting to ramp up at home as we look forward to a big few weeks ahead, writes GEORGE BOUGHEY.

FRIDAY

HAVANA FLASH – 2.05pm Epsom

Havana Flash has settled in well since arriving from the breeze-ups. I am probably setting her quite a tough task on debut, but she gets plenty of weight here and her work has been solid. She’s from a soft-ground family so conditions shouldn’t be a concern. There’s good prize money on offer on a big day and I think she’ll handle the occasion well.

CELEBORN – 4.40pm Epsom

This race has been the plan for Celeborn for a while. He was a little weak in the finish at Newbury last time but travelled into the race beautifully. Back over this trip on slower ground, I think he could be right there. He also wears cheekpieces for the first time. He’s a very relaxed horse who never really overdoes things and we’re hoping they help him focus a bit more when it matters.

AWAKEN – 5.15pm Epsom

It didn’t work for Awaken in the Nell Gwyn. She was a little keen on the way to post, so she’ll wear a hood here. The ground is the main thing we’ll be monitoring as we’re not entirely convinced she wants very soft conditions after things didn’t quite work out for her at Deauville last year. She’s a possible runner at this stage, but we’ll keep a close eye on conditions.

SATURDAY

LAKE COMO – 4.40pm Epsom

The track is a bit of a question mark, but I’m keen to step him up in trip. The jockeys who have ridden him in his last two starts have both suggested he wants to get his toe in, so the ground will be important. His pedigree suggests this distance should suit and we’ll see how conditions develop over the next 36 hours before making a final decision.

SUNDAY

LADY DORA MAE – 3.35pm Goodwood

Lady Dora Mae has been progressive and looked to stay the trip well last time. She can tie up a little late on, but her work on soft ground in the spring was more encouraging than it was on faster ground. She’s a likely runner and this looks a good opportunity to see where she fits at this level.

DELLA PACE – 3.35pm Goodwood

Della Pace ran well when fourth in Listed company last time and we’re happy to give her another chance in this grade. She’s come out of that race well and both fillies could take their chance.

DERBY WEEKEND SELECTIONS

Oaks: A La Prochaine – if the ground remains very soft, she’s the filly I like.

Derby: Pierre Bonnard – Christophe Soumillon takes the ride and he’d be my selection.