Cook can chart route to glory

JAMES COOK can stake his Investec Derby claim with victory in the Investec Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, writes The Ferret.

Aidan O’Brien has his usual embarrassment of riches in the Classic division and while this Galileo colt is not yet considered part of the A-team judged on the ante-post markets, a win here would certainly see his price shorten.

A full-brother to Arc winner Found, James Cook is bred to excel over middle distances but he shaped well enough over shorter when winning one of his two juvenile starts last term.

Beaten four lengths on his debut when his inexperience showed, he was still a bit green when he improved to win a mile maiden last October, with the official half-length margin not really doing him justice.

James Cook will face a stiff rival in Crossed Baton, who bids to give John Gosden a fourth successive win in the race, but O’Brien’s raider can rise to the challenge.

While Gosden could be out of luck in the feature event,

ROYAL LINE should be up to the task in the Investec Corporate Banking Great Metropolitan Handicap.

Winner of his first two starts last year, his campaign was derailed a bit towards the end of the season and he again disappointed at conditions level at Doncaster last month.

Royal Line certainly has ability and while he might not be totally straightforward, his official rating of 95 illustrates just how good he could be.

SELECTIONS

EPSOM: 2.10 Just That Lord, 2.45 JAMES COOK (NAP), 3.20 Royal Line, 3.55 Ajman King, 4.25 Cross My Mind, 5.00 Jack Taylor.

PERTH: 1.30 Nando, 2.00 Hazy Manor, 2.35 Scorpion Sid, 3.10 Chidswell, 3.45 The Jam Man, 4.15 Shanroe Street, 4.45 Think Ahead.

DOUBLE: James Cook and Ajman King.

Aidan O’Brien: High hopes for James Cook.