Horse-By-Horse Guide to the Investec Derby
Carlton House
Red-hot favourite who was subject to a last minute injury scare following an impressive win in the Dante.
He showed terrific bravery that day by muscling his way through a tiny gap and can give Sir Michael Stoute his sixth Derby win and, more importantly, the Queen her first! The one to beat.
Castlemorris King
Not even the application of a first time visor will be enough to prevent him from finishing last.
Yet to finish in the first three in any of his five starts and the only hope is that he doesn’t interfere with the serious contenders when he begins to backpedal.
Bookies make him a 500/1 chance but should be 5000/1!
Marhaba Malyoon
The most inexperienced of these with only two runs under his belt.
Won a decent Bath maiden on his only start as a two-year-old, but you could have thrown a blanket over the first four that day.
Finished a remote last in the Lingfield Derby Trial and looks completely out of his depth here.
Masked Marvel
Created a good impression when winning on his debut last September, but somewhat blotted his copybook next time. Didn’t set the world alight on his reappearance, but looked a different proposition at Goodwood recently. Has always been held in high regard by his trainer, but unlikely to be his second Derby winner.
Memphis Tennessee
It would be a fairytale for Aidan O’Brien if he could win this race for a third time with a horse ridden by his son.
However, the stable have several more impressive bullets to fire in Recital, Seville and Treasure Beach and it would be a huge surprise if he beat his stablemates, let alone the rest of the field.
Native Khan
Arguably brings the best form to the table having finished third to Frankel in the 2000 Guineas and if he stays the Derby trip, he will surely be in the mix.
However, that really is a big ‘if’ as there isn’t much in the way of stamina on his dam’s side.
Kieren Fallon jumped off him on Monday and that says it all.
Ocean War
Cost a staggering 320,000 guineas and finished a well beaten fifth on his only start as a two-year-old. Yet, he has returned a different horse this campaign winning impressively on both starts.
However, this is a big ask for one so in-experienced and even the presence of Frankie Dettori won’t be enough.
Pisco Sour
The joint most experienced runner in the field who out-ran his odds of 40/1 by finishing third to Carlton House in the Dante. He was only beaten four lengths by the winner that day, but had the run of the race and there is no reason to think he can reverse that form. Will show up well in the early stages before fading.
Pour Moi
Andre Fabre may well have 22 French Trainer Championship trophies on his sideboard at home, but has yet to win the Epsom Derby.
However, he has gone on record saying that this fellow is the best chance he has ever had and that has to count for something. He also seemed at ease on the track in a recent spin.
Recital
He looked difficult to steer when losing his unbeaten record in the Ballysax and has the most awkward of head carriages.
Yet, even though there is a nagging doubt that Epsom isn’t the ideal venue for him, he has plenty of star quality and surely must take a hand.
Fallon will find out at 9am if he rides.
Seville
Travelled ominously well in the Dante and looked the winner turning for home. The majority of the stable’s runners build on their first run and there is no reason to expect anything different from this fellow.
However, he was brushed aside by Carlton House and might be more of a St Leger type.
Treasure Beach
Hugely consistent and battled-hardened Ballydoyle third (or arguably fourth) string, who has been placed in all six career starts to date.
He may lack the class of his more fancied stablemates, but I’m convinced his stamina, bravery and turn of foot will stand him in great stead around here and he seems over-priced at 33/1.
Vadamar
French raider who finished third behind Pour Moi at Saint-Cloud last time.
Interestingly, he was favourite to win that day, so is obviously held in high regard by Andre Fabre. He has been the subject of good support all week, but it’s still difficult to see him reversing the form with his French counterpart Pour Moi.