G1 – 2405m – Turf
Horse Racing
Season
Derby Stakes – Form Comments
| 1 | Anthony Van Dyck | His star quality was evident last season when he won a G3 and G2 and was twice placed in G1’s. Moving up to a distance close to this one for his 2019 debut he relentlessly overpowered his nine rivals in that Lingfield Listed event. |
| 2 | Bangkok | Lost all three starts at two, but even then his trainer nominated him as a potential star this year. And he’s won both starts, latterly in a G3 Classic trial at Sandown when he was held up off the speed before showing decisive acceleration in the straight. The move up to this distance should be fine. |
| 3 | Broome | All his three wins have come with some ease in the ground, but he has run very well on a fast surface and breeding suggests he is very likely to stay the 2405m distance. Described by his trainer as ‘sleepy and lazy’ but very stylish when winning a G3 at Leopardstown in May. |
| 4 | Circus Maximus | Has not yet exhibited the top class quality of some of these rivals, and there wasn’t anything flashy about his victory in a Listed event at Chester in May, but he did get the job done in gritty style. Up in distance like so many others in this field, and it should be OK. |
| 5 | Hiroshima | Has won at this distance but that was only in maiden company on the all-weather at Southwell, an entirely different scenario this. Soundly beaten at Lingfield last time. |
| 6 | Humanitarian | From John Gosden’s hugely successful stable but hard to fancy here, having only won – twice – in novices’ company most recently with a front-running display at Salisbury. Up to the Derby trip but no big stamina worries on pedigree. |
| 7 | Japan | A very good two-year-old, winning a 1600m G2 at Naas on his last start, this big colt was only fourth – 5.75L behind Telecaster – in a G2 at York on his return. But he had suffered a troubled preparation before then and Ryan Moore didn’t push him too hard once his chance had gone. |
| 8 | Line Of Duty | A super and well-travelled two-year-old winning a Goodwood maiden, then a Chantilly G3 before landing a Breeders’ Cup G1 at Churchill Downs on a yielding surface in November. Disappointing when well behind Telecaster in a G2 at York in May when fast ground – that he’ll get again here – may not have helped. Fitted with cheekpieces – maybe they will help. |
| 9 | Madhmoon | Probably bred more to excel at 2000m rather than 2400m, though jockey Chris Hayes has been more positive about that. He finished fast from the group racing in the centre – not the best place to be – when fourth in the 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Newmarket in May. He puts his head down and has a determined way of racing. |
| 10 | Norway | Bred for the job being a brother to 2013 winner Ruler Of The World. Reportedly lazy and laid back, he appeared to be the O’Brien’s stable’s number one in a G3 at Chester in May but he sweated up badly beforehand and was left behind by stablemate Sir Dragonet in the closing stages. |
| 11 | Sir Dragonet | Has fast emerged as likely Derby favourite, winning a Tipperary maiden on his debut in April and then earning some big time figures when thrashing his six rivals in a G3 at Chester in May, held up before powering clear. Has raced only on a slow surface so far, but very good chance if he handles quicker ground. |
| 12 | Sovereign | A big raw horse whose only win came on a muddy surface, and slow ground – which he won’t get – would probably suit best. He has finished behind Broome – beaten 8L and 3L – in G3’s at Leopardstown on his last two starts. |
| 13 | Telecaster | His upward progress has been rapid, only making his debut in March and winning an established G2 Derby trial at York in May. Kept close to the speed that day, he proved really tough and talented when the real battle developed in the straight. Up in distance, but very positive signs from his pedigree. |
Others
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