Derby clues are as elusive as ever over breakfast
Frankel colts get a feel of the track, but biggest challenge is likely to be the size of the field
If Epsom’s annual Breakfast with the Stars ahead of Saturday week’s Investec Derby proved one thing yesterday, it was that the 238th running of the famous Flat race looks like one of the most open for some time. Bookmakers are not sure whether to make Cliffs of Moher or Cracksman favourite and, having heard from the main protagonists, it seems nobody has the champagne on ice.
The opportunity to have a spin down Epsom’s topographically challenging Tattenham Hill was taken up by the two Frankel colts due to contest the race, Cracksman and Eminent, as well as the Hugo Palmer-trained Best Of Days, who will attempt to become the first horse to win first time out since Shaamit 21 years ago.
Having missed last week’s Dante Stakes with Cracksman owing to the ground, John Gosden, who made good use of this morning to show 2015 winner Golden Horn the ropes, was keen to bring his colt, the Epsom Trial winner, for a second look at the track.
If the maxim ‘time spent in reconnaissance is time seldom wasted’ holds true, Cracksman’s lack of racing experience – just two runs – will be counteracted by his thorough knowledge of Epsom – only clerk of the course Andrew Cooper has been around it more often this year.
“He’s had a run round here,” said the trainer. “He got pocketed, but picked up to beat a streetwise horse [Permian]. I didn’t fancy running him 16 days before the Derby, but the result [Permian’s win in the Dante] was a positive from our point of view.
“Golden Horn was a legitimate favourite. I like Cracksman a lot but he’s a different type. He’s out of a tough mare, has a long stride, a mile and a half should suit, we didn’t supplement for fun.”
There were 26 horses confirmed at yesterday’s declaration stage, and with Aidan O’brien aiming seven at the race and Godolphin five, Gosden feels there will be a big field. “The biggest challenge will be getting a clear run,” he said. “The jockeys have a bigger problem than the trainers.”
Martyn Meade wanted to bring Eminent because he had never been away from Newmarket and had not been on a racecourse since the Guineas went all wrong for him.
“That’s exactly what we wanted,” said Meade. “It couldn’t have gone better. I think a mile and a half is going to be his distance. The Guineas didn’t go to plan. Maybe it was a bit soon after the Craven. There was no explanation – it was just a difficult race.”
Jockey Jim Crowley felt that a big colt on quick ground for the second time in just over a fortnight might have been the problem. “He loved the juice in the ground today,” he said. “Pulling up, he felt like he did going to post in the Craven. He was very relaxed and that’ll be a massive plus.”
John Ferguson said it would not surprise him if any of Godolphin’s five – Best Solution, Parmian, Dubai Thunder, Benbatl or Best Of Days – were to win, which also suggests none of them is outstanding and, after O’brien’s telephone interview, Gosden said that he would have no problem putting him in charge of the ministry of disinformation.
“Would Ryan Moore definitely ride Cliffs of Moher?” O’brien was asked.
“I wouldn’t be sure, it’s not a foregone conclusion by any means,” he said before adding in the next breath, “but it’s very possible.” Not a ‘yes’ and not a ‘no’ or, depending on your point of view, a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’, but it was classic O’brien; aiming to enlighten, succeeding in baffling.