DERBY: KEEP KAM AND CARRY ON
ANDREW BALDING bids to emulate his father, Ian, by capturing today’s Investec Derby with Kameko.
Balding was not born when his father took the world’s most recognised Flat race with Mill Reef in 1971 but he is reminded of that achievement every day.
A bronze statue of one the legends of the game stands in his stable yard at Kingsclere in Hampshire.
Unlike Mill Reef, who was beaten in the 2000 Guineas, KAMEKO
(4.55, nap) beat a smart field that has since enhanced the form.
As a two-year-old, Kameko thumped Mogul, the shortest priced of the six Aidan O’Brien runners, at Newcastle.
Kameko has yet to race over 12 furlongs, but he was not stopping in the Guineas and his relaxed style of racing will help him get the trip.
His rider Oisin Murphy is also not short of confidence.
With Frankie Dettori taking the ride, English King is a worthy favourite. He impressed when taking the Lingfield Derby
Trial, the race won by last year’s blue riband victor AnthonyVan Dyck.
Pyledriver will be a popular success for the underdog. The Willie Muir-trained colt impressed at Royal Ascot but needs to improve further if he is going to be a serious contender.The once-raced
Worthily from the John Gosden yard is the each-way value at 40-1.
Gosden and Dettori can successfully join forces in the Investec Oaks with FRANKLY DARLING (3.40, nb). She impressed at Royal Ascot last month when beating Ennistymon.
Love, the 1000 Guineas winner, is an obvious threat but the form of the Newmarket Classic is not rock solid.
French recruit LOVE AND THUNDER (4.15) can make it a double for Gosden and Dettori.
SHINE SO BRIGHT (2.25, treble) can settle Balding’s nerves in the Investec Surrey Stakes.Today’s return to seven furlongs will suit him.
MODERN NEWS (1.50), disappointed at Royal Ascot,but is worth another chance.
The well-handicapped
IRONCLAD (3.00) gets the vote in the wide-open Investec Handicap.