ROARING LION SET TO SHOW HIS TEETH
Gosden charge in Saxon stand-off
SAXON Warrior is an uneasy Derby favourite with official Epsom betting partners Unibet and is out to 11-10 from odds-on after concern from punters over the soft ground and stall one.
The last colt to win the Classic from the inside gate was Oath in 1999, when there were 16 runners.
So with four less to contend here, Ryan Moore’s mount should be up to defying an uncompromising draw.
And after laying the Ballydoyle runner at chunky odds, the bookies will be running for cover if the jolly obliges.
Roaring Lion bids to emulate 2015 winner Golden Horn who bagged the Dante at York en route to Derby success and this is clearly a path John Gosden likes to use with his Classic contenders.
But he’s friendless in the market and out to 8-1 from 4-1 as concerns remain about the ground.
However after winning at York over 1m2f, he is almost guaranteed to get the trip.
Therefore, in my opinion, he offers great each way value.
Frankie Dettori’s mount Hazapour has been popular at 8-1 and attempts to become the first horse since High Chaparral in 2002 to complete the Leopardstown Derby Trial-Epsom Derby double. Dermot Weld does not overface his horses and the fact he is taking his chance must be a tip in itself. William Haggas won the 1996 Derby with Shaamit, who beat 19 rivals from stall nine, the same position Young Rascal – also trained by Haggas – comes from and the Chester Vase is a significant trial. Ruler Of The World (first) and Wings Of Desire (second) have both going on to claim the racing’s Blue Riband. He’s been extremely positive in the market at 7-1.
But Dee Ex Bee is slipping under the radar at 18-1 and looks a lively candidate at generous odds.
Out of a half-sister to the brilliant Dubai Millennium, the runner trained by Mark Johnston (below) has course experience and plenty of race know-how, which is crucial.
Masar is another who could out-run his 20-1 odds with the ground in his favour but he does have to improve.