3 minute read
Racing and Sports preview the 2021 Derby from Epsom Downs.
Saturday at Epsom Downs brings us The Derby - not the Epsom Derby - but The Derby. The Derby that all others are merely paying tribute to, and we hope to honour the occasion the best way possible - by backing the winner.
For many that could well look a straightforward task in 2021. Aidan O'Brien, who has won six of the past nine, goes with just one bullet this year as opposed to his typical battalion (it is law to call multiple runners from his yard a battalion...) and in Bolshoi Ballet it is easy to see him making it seven from ten.
He has won the two Irish trials in smart fashion, quickening off a steady tempo to win the Ballysax before blowing Mac Swiney away in fast time in the Derrinstown. He is about as well credentialled as they come.
But those credentials come with an expensive price tag and it is hard to see what edge there could be in 5/4. His chance is obvious, particularly in the face of a series of unspectacular trial winners in Britain.
John Leeper, Third Realm and Youth Spirit all look lovely horses - for a King Edward or a Hampton Court... This is The Derby.
Mohaafeth may have shaped with a bit more X-factor but single figure prices is hardly giving it away about a horse that beat 3 rivals in a race that fell apart at the seams.
He currently trades shorter than Mac Swiney who came out from behind Bolshoi Ballet with excuses to win an Irish Guineas. He beat the 2000 Guineas winner there but the time was okay rather than better.
With two Group One wins to his name though he is a more convincing danger to the favourite than most and it is that first Group One win that sparks some interest in a tricky Derby to bet into.
Mac Swiney's Futurity win came with less than a length to spare over One Ruler who was 6/4 that day with the winner 12/1. One Ruler has since run fairly in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket as a 10/1 chance and comes straight to Epsom with a reasonable doubt over his stamina let alone his ability.
So One Ruler is not one of the top chances - fair enough - but at 30/1 he's potentially a touch undersold in a Derby that away from the favourite looks a little soft. He looks a lively outsider and he leads us to his stablemate Hurricane Lane who won the Dante last time in what was the fastest of the trials away from Bolshoi Ballet.
Hurricane Lane won a crawl when resuming at Newbury, but the form behind him worked out, and he coped going from very slow to fast in the Dante which could be the run that really brings him to the boil now. He's versatile, untapped and unbeaten. Good attributes to have going to Epsom (or anywhere...) and at 10/1 he appeals as a decent gamble against the favourite.
Recommended Bets: Back Hurricane Lane and One Ruler to win The Derby.
