Young Rascal can prove trouble for triple crown chaser

YOUNG RASCAL can scupper the triple crown hopes of Saxon-Warrior by lifting the Investec Derby at Epsom, writes The Ferret.

Aidan O’Brien’s runner has been a hot favourite to land a second Classic since winning the 2000 Guineas, but the handler’s worries over the ground combined with a tricky draw in stall one could open the door for his rivals.

Young Rascal can duly grasp that opportunity and make the quantum leap from Newbury maiden winner in April to Derby winner on the first Saturday in June.

The son of Intello was soundly beaten by stablemate My Lord And Master on his only juvenile outing but he was light years away from that performance when cantering home by five lengths in Berkshire.

Trainer William Haggas was suitably encouraged to step him up in class for the Group Three Chester Vase, and Young Rascal handled the assignment with aplomb, fending off the challenge of the reopposing Dee Ex Bee by half a length with a little something in hand.

He has since enjoyed a spin around Epsom at the Breakfast with the Stars event in late May, with previous experience of the idiosyncrasies of the Epsom track a definite positive.

Easy ground holds no fears for him and he can emulate Haggas’s previous Derby winner Shaamit, who triumphed from stall nine back in 1996.

WILAMINA ran a cracker on her return at Newmarket and should be in the mix again in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes.

Martyn Meade’s runner found only Wuheida too good in the Dahlia Stakes at the Guineas meeting, finishing a creditable four-length second to a vastly superior rival.

There does not appear to be a filly of Wuheida’s class amongst the eight runners here and while Wilamina will have to improve a bit, she certainly seems on an upward curve. The presence of Frankie Dettori in the plate is another factor in her favour.

MADELINE can get a nice boost in the Stobo Castle Ladies’ Day Gold Cup Fillies’ Stakes at Musselburgh.

Well beaten in the 1000 Guineas on her return, she should strip fitter for the run and can get back on track here. SELECTIONS EPSOM: 2.00 Shuhood, 2.35 Wilamina, 3.10 True Valour, 3.45 Blue De Vega, 4.30 YOUNG RASCAL (NAP), 5.15 Pacify, 5.50 Reputation.

MUSSELBURGH: 1.40 Allnite, 2.15 Red Balloons, 2.50 Dynamic, 3.25 Madeline, 4.00 Chinese Spirit, 4.55 Landing Night, 5.30 Tapis Libre.

DOUBLE: Young Rascal and Wilamina

William Haggas: bidding to add to Derby win with Shaamit in 1996.