The INSIDER
There has been plenty written this week about the Ballydoyle Six and the main focus has been on whether Johnny Murtagh has picked the right one in Rip Van Winkle. I’m of the opinion that Johnny is right. So what does that mean? It means that SEA THE STARS will win the Investec Derby on Saturday.
I actually think it means we can back a tricast and hope for a decent payday. The first (Sea The Stars), third (Gan Amhras) and fourth (Rip Van Winkle) from the 2000 Guineas are chosen to fill the first three places at Epsom. Probably enough said!
Looking at Epsom today and I’m not sure that PHILARIO is capable of giving so much weight away but Martin Lane looks to be a good lad and the five pounds he takes off Karl Burke’s runner will be more than useful in the 2.10pm. Ralph Beckett may not have started off the season with all guns blazing but he’s more than talented enough to bring LOOK HERE back to her ‘favourite’ track to win the Investec Coronation Cup. It will be a tall order as both Youmzain and Ask are in good form but I can hardly desert her after her 33/1 success in the Oaks last year.
In the Oaks, I’m completely torn between three runners. Rainbow View was an outstanding two-year-old and Sariska is a wonderful filly, but the one I’m going to back is MIDDAY. If there is a better trainer of middle distance fillies, I’ve never heard of them, Henry Cecil is without doubt peerless in this category. His record of Oaks wins speaks for itself.