Your horse-by-horse guide to the 2014 Investec Derby
Arod
Bidding to give Peter Chapple- Hyam a third Derby, the colt was a fast-finishing second in the Dante. That form was boosted massively when the winner, The Grey Gatsby, won the French Derby last Sunday. Shouldn’t be dismissed but doesn’t want rain.
Australia
Described by Aidan O’Brien as the best he’s ever trained, the son of Galileo has been antepost favourite for this since the winter. Ran well to finish a close-up third in 2000 Guineas and has the perfect pedigree for 1m 4f. Soft ground the concern, though.
Ebanoran
First-past-thepost in the Derrinstown, but demoted to second in the stewards room. That was a messy race and John Oxx’s charge could struggle to confirm form with Geoffrey Chaucer, who was third. This will also be his jockey’s first experience of Epsom.
Facinating Rock
Awarded Derrinstown after suffering interference and better than bare result as he was set a lot to do. Dermot Weld’s horses have been in incredible form. This one has solid place claims if Pat Smullen can negotiate a tricky wide draw.
Geoffery Chaucer
A recent mover in the market, O’Brien’s second string will be popular from a good stall with two-time winning Derby rider Ryan Moore on board. No certainty to reverse form with Ebanoran or Fascinating Rock, although should stay the trip well.
Impulsive Moment
Rated just 97 but one of the more interesting outsiders on his close-up third to Western Hymn ─ who is a sixth of the price ─last time. He is a first ride in the race for David Probert, who rides Epsom well. But his mount will surely find others too good.
Kingfisher
Wouldn’t be the first O’Brien charge to outrun massive odds under Colm O’Donoghue, who was beaten a head in 2011 on a 33/1 shot. The Dee Stakes winner should appreciate the step up in trip, but likely to adopt pacemaking role and widest draw no help.
Kingston Hill
Last year’s Racing Post Trophy winner lost his unbeaten record in the 2000 Guineas, but was better than he could show. This trip should suit. Has come in for sustained support, yet the softer the ground the better for him – and that’s no guarantee.
Orchestra
Very interesting third string for Ballydoyle who relished the step up in trip in the Chester Vase last time. Travelled like a very good horse that day. Ruler Of The World landed the same trial before Derby success 12 months ago. Could go very close indeed.
Our Channel
Won the Investec Derby Trial here back in April under a canny ride from Ryan Moore. That was a ‘win and you’re in’ race, but it wasn’t the strongest contest. This looks at least one bridge too far. Trainer in fine form, but 100/1 sums up his chance.
Pinzola
Another kick in the teeth for 2011 Derby-winning jockey Mickael Barzalona with Charlie Appleby opting for James Doyle. Won a Listed race last time, but that form is nowhere near good enough. Has disappointed the only time he’s raced in Group company.
Red Galileo
A first ride in the race for rising star Oisin Murphy, although he won’t be expecting to win. His mount is the lowest-rated in the field, having won just one of his six stars. Was here for Breakfast with the Stars last week, but punching well above his weight.
Romsdal
One of the more interesting outsiders, especially if the rain arrives, with champion jockey Richard Hughes booked. Almost nailed Orchestra on the line at Chester and the only reason he’s 25/1 is because William Buick has opted for Western Hymn.
Sudden Wonder
Son of 2008 Derby winner New Approach who has form on both good and soft ground. Kevin Manning is an intriguing jockey booking, having won the race on his sire. But Sudden Wonder has to step up big time on his third in the Lingfield Derby Trial.
True Story
Looked like a world beater when demolishing his rivals in the Feilden Stakes, but disappointed many with a seemingly laboured effort in the Dante. The subsequent Classic success of The Grey Gatsby means it might not have been that bad a run.
Western Hymn
Amazingly, the only unbeaten colt in the field. John Gosden gave him a spin around here at Breakfast with the Stars last week. His awkward head carriage is slightly offputting, but Buick has stayed loyal and the yard have some decent three-year-olds.