Cracksman confirmed for Derby bid
● Cliffs of Moher among 20 colts still standing for classic
Cracksman and Cliffs Of Moher are two of the star names among 20 colts confirmed for Saturday’s Investec Derby at Epsom.
The John Gosden-trained Cracksman, who carries the same colours as 2015 Derby hero Golden Horn, is unbeaten in two starts, including a victory at the track in last month’s Derby Trial. That form has been well advertised since, with the runner-up, Permian, going on to land a Listed prize at Newmarket and the Dante Stakes at York. As expected, Permian has been supplemented for the Derby by Mark Johnston at a cost of £85,000.
Dee Stakes winner Cliffs Of Moher is one of seven possible runners for Aidan O’brien as he bids to win the world’s most famous Flat race for a sixth time.
The other potential Ballydoyle representatives are Capri, Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Douglas Macarthur, Finn Mccool and Chester Vase one-two-three Venice Beach, Wings Of Eagles and The Anvil.
Gosden also has a numerically strong hand, with Cracksman joined by stablemates Crowned Eagle, Glencadam Glory, the supplemented Khalidi and Pealer.
Other contenders include Martyn Meade’s 2000 Guineas third Eminent, the Joseph O’brien-trained Rekindling and Saeed bin Suroor’s trio of Benbatl, Best Solution and Dubai Thunder.
Sylvester Kirk’s Salouen and 1,000-1 outsider Diore Lia make up the field.
The latter has finished down the field on her only two starts to date and has attracted plenty of attention this week after it emerged she would be ridden by 7lb claimer Gina Mangan.
Diore Lia will also run for trainer John Jenkins for the first time after switching from Jane Chapple-hyam’s stable.
At Redcar today, Bolder Bob looks nap material in the Racing Uk-sponsored Maiden.
David Barron returns to the seaside venue with his charge after a very promising debut last season. Over the winter Bolder Bob was gelded and since then the form has been frankedinnouncertainterms.
The Mark Johnston-trained winner Sofia’s Rock was won twice this season, most recently at Haydock last Saturday from a lofty mark of 94, while Charlie Appleby’s runner-up, Alqamar, bolted up at York’s Dante meeting on his first run in a handicap off 76. Back in third was Bolder Bob, making his debut, and while he was beaten over eight lengths, even this fifth and sixth home won nexttime.anordinarymaiden looks a formality.
Whatzdjazz should win the Independent Racecourses Limited (IRL) Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Newton Abbot for the in-form Dan Skelton team.