With just four days to go until the prestigious Derby takes place, it’s an interesting renewal and looks to be wide open at this point. With the Dante having given us 6 winners over the last 20 years, does this year’s winner, Permian look to have the credentials to win this year’s title?
He’s got 10 runs under his belt and this experience will hold him in good stead. However, he’ll have to be asked a lot to improve on his Dante win by just under a length and there are many other unexposed sorts that could show him up. He’s been supplemented to the tune of £85,000 but this is pocket change for the owner, Sheikh Mohammed and a finish in the top four will see a return on investment there. He’ll be worth an each way punt for sure.
Of the favourite, Cracksman, who’ll be turning up for just his third run, can we really expect this son of Frankel to do the business? He’s unbeaten with a Newmarket maiden under his belt and a very narrow victory in the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom. At the current 4/1 though, can he prove that he will stay? At that price, I think he’s worth taking on.
Of the other market leaders, Cliffs Of Moher is clear second favourite at the time of writing and is certainly worth a look at based on his recent form. He’s got the class and although O’Brien has questioned his ability to stay, he’s bred to do so and this could see him come into his own.
Eminent looks worthy up there as well and we’re starting to see potential in a lot of these horses. Here’s what Ricky Elliot has to say about Eminent –
“Eminent’s highest RPR is 127 so just one point below the trend. That’s manageable and horses can improve at a relatively young age. There is more encouragement from the speed ratings that put Eminent slightly below two of the top four in the betting. One negative is Eminent’s run in the Guineas but the track and distance did not suit. There were signs of a lack of enthusiasm at Newmarket but the horse already run twice as a three- year-old. The horse could be more streetwise than others more prominent in the betting.
Eminent won the Craven Stakes over one mile but couldn’t show the same form in the Guineas. Benbatl was almost two lengths adrift and that horse was second behind Permian in the Dante. There is some form and there are trends that suggest Eminent has the profile to win the 2017 Derby.”
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So, all in all, this year’s Derby looks to be a cracking renewal and will be a spectacle to watch, that’s for sure. Check back to this page later in the week where we’ll be looking at best prices and what the bookies will be offering us.
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