Epsom Derby form guide, runners and tips: Your top pinstickers’ guide to the Group 1 contest at Epsom
Templegate runs you through the contenders for the Derby at Epsom racecourse this Saturday
GO into Derby battle with SAXON WARRIOR on your side.
Aidan O’Brien’s ace completed a hat-trick of wins with victory in the Racing Post Trophy last season and he kicked off this term with 2000 Guineas glory.
It wasn’t a brilliant performance – just brilliantly efficient. Only heavy rain can ruin his Classic charge.
Dermot Weld’s Hazapour and Chester Vase hero Young Rascal look the main dangers.
Dee Ex Bee 3/5
Don’t get stung. Runner-up behind Young Rascal in the Chester Vase. A wide draw did not help matters but he doesn’t seem to be improving like the winner. Needs to find something from somewhere.
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Delano Roosevelt 3/5
Buy into this Del boy. Has finished runner-up in his last three races. That’s more to do with his lack of pace than a poor attitude and he’ll love the longer trip. Each-way claims at least.
Hazapour 4/5
Haz a big chance. Saw off Delano Roosevelt and The Pentagon in the Derrinstown at Leopardstown. Moves like a good horse and bred to stay as a nephew of 2016 Derby hero Harzand. Looks the biggest danger to Saxon Warrior.
Kew Gardens 2/5
Don’t join the Kew. Beat Dee Ex Bee in the Zetland last year but hasn’t progressed as expected. Looked in need of the longer trip when turned over on his return so it was disappointing to see him brushed aside by Knight To Behold at Lingfield. Plenty to prove.
Knight To Behold 3/5
Hold on to your cash. Given a fine ride when too strong for Kew Gardens in Lingfield’s Derby Trial. Unlikely to give this field this slip but he’s clearly smart and is improving. Couldn’t be ruled out.
Masar 2/5
Sar is no Derby star. Bolted up by a whopping nine lengths in the Craven before putting up a solid show wen third in the 2000 Guineas. Not sure how he’s going to reverse that form with Saxon Warrior and he’s far from certain to stay.
Roaring Lion 3/5
Ready to Roar. Only went down by a neck to Saxon Warrior in the Racing Post Trophy last year despite wandering around. Taken time to warm up this season but his Dante win was most impressive. Lasting the trip is his main worry.
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Saxon Warrior 5/5
Definite Sax appeal. Unbeaten in three races last year and couldn’t start this season any better than by winning the 2000 Guineas with a thoroughly professional display. The step up in trip is what he’s made for and only heavy rain can stop him.
Sevenna Star 1/5
Unlucky Seven. Would have looked out of his stable door with a big grin on his face when the rain arrived. Needs more of it but at least he should thrive upped in distance.
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The Pentagon 2/5
Don’t write Pen on your betting slip. Looked a decent prospect last year and ran well when third in the Derrinstown. That gives him ground to make up on Hazapour and he might be best on genuinely quick ground.
Young Rascal 4/5
Go on the Ras. Easily broke his duck at Newbury in April before overcoming trouble to land the Chester Vase. Has only had three runs and looks to be improving rapidly. That must put him in the shake up.
Zabriskie 1/5
Don’t call a Zab. Yet to make much impression in Group races but not disgraced when third in the Dante. The longer trip will help but it would be a bigger shock than Wings Of Eagles last year if he were to pick up the pot.