Derby hopes lie with Permian

Experience key to Johnston bid

PERMIAN is the pick to give trainer Mark Johnston a first win in what looks a wideopen Investec Derby at Epsom.

The son of Teofilo won three times from six starts as a juvenile, but looked to have his limitations exposed at the back-end of the season and, after suffering defeat in a Bath handicap on his three-year-old debut, he hardly looked like a legitimate Derby hope.

However, he has made giant strides forward since, with his narrow defeat to Cracksman at this track in April followed by a dominant win at Newmarket and victory in the Dante Stakes, which has long been considered Britain’s best Derby trial.

He might not have the X-factor of some of his rivals, but what he does have is bags of experience.

His Dante success just about sets the standard and while the likes of Cracksman, Cliffs Of Moher and Eminent could improve past him, Permian is a solid bet to place at least at double-figure odds. TODAY’S SELECTIONS: EPSOM: 2.00 Drochaid, 2.35 Laugh Aloud, 3.10 Custom Cut, 3.45 Desert Law, 4.30 PERMIAN (NAP), 5.15 Barwick, 5.50 Watchable. MUSSELBURGH: 1.40 Wigan Warrior, 2.15 Rebel Assault, 2.50 Glitter Girl, 3.25 Euro Nightmare, 4.00 Desert Dream, 4.55 Royal Brave, 5.30 Jonny Delta. DOUBLE: Permian and Custom Cut. TOMORROW PERTH: 2.15 Golden Jeffrey, 2.45 Always On The Run, 3.15 Attest, 3.45 Chitu, 4.15 BEEVES (NAP), 4.45 Border Breaker, 5.15 Nando. DOUBLE: Beeves and Chitu.

Picture: PA. Frankie Dettori guides 6-1 shot Enable to a five-lengths victory over odds-on favourite Rhododendron in yesterday’s Investec Oaks at Epsom.