STAR PREVIEW: Double Derby Day
Double Derby Day and if it all goes wrong on the Epsom Downs at 4.30pm – just 10 miles away it’s the Greyhound Derby Final at Wimbledon Stadium (possibly, but hopefully not, for the final time at the track).
I got Minding wrong yesterday – incredible the way she overcame trouble in running which looked race ending at the time.
It’s a hugely open Derby this year with no standout contender. That doesn’t mean that it will necessarily produce a below average winner.
Aidan O’Brien seems the obvious place to start given his record in the race. He won three in a row before John Gosden ended the monopoly with Golden Horn last year.
Many were quick to crab O’Brien’s US Army Ranger after his narrow win in the Chester Vase from stable companion Port Douglas. I think the negativity was over-cooked. US Army Ranger had a huge reputation and plenty to live up to – but it was still only his second ever start and he is a relative baby. The pair pulled seven lengths clear of the third and by most mortal standards that would have been considered an excellent run.
O’Brien and Ryan Moore cannot be over-looked and I will have a bet on the Ranger to cover a couple more speculative options.
I like Harzand but he was subject to a late check after dislodging a shoe (confirmed he DOES run).
I will play a couple of each-way alternatives.
If you fancy US Army Ranger – you have to say that Port Douglas has to be massive value at around 16/1. He’s had plenty more experience and isn’t as ‘sexy’ as his stable companion but purely on the form book has to have place chances.
David Simcock’s Algometer is also of interest at around 25/1. His stamina is guaranteed after he stayed on well to win the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood over 1m 3f.
In the Greyhound Derby Final tonight I’ll be cheering on the blue box of Cloran Paddy. Ben Keith has been charting his progress for a LONG TIME and what a story it would be if he can win the biggest prize of all. He does things the hard way and takes a while to wind up but as long as he can negotiate a path through he could easily be involved in the finish.
Blue for the Blue Riband !!!!
RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-100 points)
BACK US ARMY RANGER (Derby) 6 points win at SP with Star Sports
BACK PORT DOUGLAS (Derby) 3 points each-way at SP with Star Sports
BACK ALGOMETER (Derby) 3 points each-way at SP with Star Sports
Latest bet: -10.00 points