Andrea Atzeni - Epsom Derby Preview
Andrea Atzeni - Epsom Derby Preview
Grosvenor Sport Ambassador Andrea Atzeni previews the Epsom Derby on Saturday - here is his runner-by-runner guide, including his mount Dear My Friend.
ADELAIDE RIVER - as expected, he probably improved upped to 12f last time at Chester, but that still leaves him with plenty of improvement to find here. Stall 1 given he was awkward away last time might not be ideal for getting a good early position either.
ARREST - over raced slightly last time when winning impressively at Chester upped in trip for his first run of the year, and could do no more than win as he did. Quicker ground should be fine given his maiden win at Sandown was on good to firm. Hard to find faults with his chances.
ARTISTIC STAR – a good winner of a nice novice under a penalty last time at Sandown. He is a full brother to three winners, two wanting a mile and a half, so this extra two furlongs will likely bring about more improvement. Now has the chance to prove he is up to this level.
AUGUSTE RODIN - could not have done any more last year ending in a 1 mile Group 1 win, but was poor in his only start this year in the 2,000 Guineas. Dam was second to Enable in the Oaks, so this first try beyond a mile should bring about improvement, but he does obviously have a little to prove.
DEAR MY FRIEND – my ride has a little to prove on account of stamina, but was not disgraced in the Dante after racing keenly. He is a big price but could possibly out run those odds if he can settle better to see out this longer trip.
DUBAI MILE – a ten furlong group one winner in France (Arrest a head back in second) as a two-year-old, and looked outpaced in the 2,000 Guineas last time. That may have been a perfect trial as he should relish this trip.
KING OF STEEL - impressive debut winner on soft before set a tough task in a Group 1 last year on his second start just ten days later. He has changed yards, steps up half a mile trip and not been seen since then, 224 days ago.
MILITARY ORDER – the Lingfield Derby Trial winner last time, with Waipiro back in second. Another who has done little wrong but not been tested at a high level.
PASSENGER– the Wood Ditton maiden winner before getting in all sorts of trouble in the Dante on only his second start. Will have learnt plenty again there, and looks a classy sort with a great chance upped another quarter mile in trip.
SAN ANTONIO - got the run of the race last time winning the Dee Stakes at Chester. Should have no problem with the extra two furlongs, but might not have been the best horse from that race.
SPREWELL - improved with every run, particularly when upped to 10f winning at Leopardstown last time. Another two furlongs should be fine, and is another who has done nothing wrong.
THE FOXES - Dante winner last time, with White Birch in second and Passenger in third. Plenty of siblings stayed this trip, but it would be no surprise to see those behind improve past him.
WAIPIRO - second in the Lingfield Derby Trial last time, needs improvement.
WHITE BIRCH - progressed with every run, and shapes as though the extra trip will suit. Undeniably eye-catching run last time in the Dante.
VERDICT
WHITE BIRCH has expected improvement for the stiffer test and PASSENGER will have improved from an experience point of view, and I would have them both as overpriced on what they have achieved.
Grosvenor Sport Ambassador Andrea Atzeni previews the Epsom Derby on Saturday - here is his runner-by-runner guide, including his mount Dear My Friend.
ADELAIDE RIVER - as expected, he probably improved upped to 12f last time at Chester, but that still leaves him with plenty of improvement to find here. Stall 1 given he was awkward away last time might not be ideal for getting a good early position either.
ARREST - over raced slightly last time when winning impressively at Chester upped in trip for his first run of the year, and could do no more than win as he did. Quicker ground should be fine given his maiden win at Sandown was on good to firm. Hard to find faults with his chances.
ARTISTIC STAR – a good winner of a nice novice under a penalty last time at Sandown. He is a full brother to three winners, two wanting a mile and a half, so this extra two furlongs will likely bring about more improvement. Now has the chance to prove he is up to this level.
AUGUSTE RODIN - could not have done any more last year ending in a 1 mile Group 1 win, but was poor in his only start this year in the 2,000 Guineas. Dam was second to Enable in the Oaks, so this first try beyond a mile should bring about improvement, but he does obviously have a little to prove.
DEAR MY FRIEND – my ride has a little to prove on account of stamina, but was not disgraced in the Dante after racing keenly. He is a big price but could possibly out run those odds if he can settle better to see out this longer trip.
DUBAI MILE – a ten furlong group one winner in France (Arrest a head back in second) as a two-year-old, and looked outpaced in the 2,000 Guineas last time. That may have been a perfect trial as he should relish this trip.
KING OF STEEL - impressive debut winner on soft before set a tough task in a Group 1 last year on his second start just ten days later. He has changed yards, steps up half a mile trip and not been seen since then, 224 days ago.
MILITARY ORDER – the Lingfield Derby Trial winner last time, with Waipiro back in second. Another who has done little wrong but not been tested at a high level.
PASSENGER– the Wood Ditton maiden winner before getting in all sorts of trouble in the Dante on only his second start. Will have learnt plenty again there, and looks a classy sort with a great chance upped another quarter mile in trip.
SAN ANTONIO - got the run of the race last time winning the Dee Stakes at Chester. Should have no problem with the extra two furlongs, but might not have been the best horse from that race.
SPREWELL - improved with every run, particularly when upped to 10f winning at Leopardstown last time. Another two furlongs should be fine, and is another who has done nothing wrong.
THE FOXES - Dante winner last time, with White Birch in second and Passenger in third. Plenty of siblings stayed this trip, but it would be no surprise to see those behind improve past him.
WAIPIRO - second in the Lingfield Derby Trial last time, needs improvement.
WHITE BIRCH - progressed with every run, and shapes as though the extra trip will suit. Undeniably eye-catching run last time in the Dante.
VERDICT
WHITE BIRCH has expected improvement for the stiffer test and PASSENGER will have improved from an experience point of view, and I would have them both as overpriced on what they have achieved.