SIMCOCK: DERBY HOPE HEIGHTS STILL ON THE UP
DAVID SIMCOCK yesterday warned Investec Derby punters not to write off Mohican Heights — despite the colt’s first career defeat at Royal Ascot.
The son of 2014 Derby hero Australia, the winner of both his starts as a two-year-old, lost his unbeaten record with a third to Epsom rival Pyledriver in the King Edward VII Stakes 16 days ago.
Mohican Heights is 25-1 for the world’s greatest Flat race, but Simcock (right) expects progress from Andrea Atzeni’s mount on Saturday.
“There’s no hiding the fact that my horses have needed their first run quite badly,” said the Newmarket trainer.
“But what he did in the last two furlongs was very good. He came home strong and he didn’t have a hard race. It looks the most open Derby you will ever see, and the fact he’ll be a thorough stayer always gives you a chance.
“He can gallop and he can sustain a gallop very, very well. He’s not flashy, but he’s very, very honest. He’s not the type of horse that will let you down.”
■ THE fate of Leicester’s fixture next Tuesday will be decided by British Horseracing Authority officials tomorrow.
The BHA ruling to allow Tuesday’s card to proceed — Leicester was placed in regional lockdown the previous evening — sparked controversy, with a rash of non-runners and just four of the expected 11 stalls handlers reporting for duty.
“Our focus continues to be on making sure racing behind closed doors takes place as safely as possible,” said a BHA spokesperson.