A ‘must-see’ preview of the Investec Derby Festival on BCS TV

Andrew Balding’s big Investec Derby hope, Bonfire, wins the Betfred Dante Stakes at York. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

BCS TV presented by the Armchair Jockeys has released its third instalment of the year, featuring exclusive and insightful interviews with John Gosden, William Haggas and Andrew Balding as Rishi Persad, Lydia Hislop and Steve Mellish preview the three big QIPCO British Champions Series races at Epsom’s Investec Derby Festival this weekend.

Balding considers Bonfire’s chance in the Investec Derby following his Betfred Dante Stakes victory – “I thought he was very impressive and Jimmy felt there was plenty left in the locker”, but he agrees that there are concerns about the mile and a half trip and the colt’s temperament.

Haggas presents an upbeat view on the chances of Beaten Up in the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (sponsored by Investec) – “I feel he he’s got a chance of being a top class horse” – and the immensely exciting Vow in the Investec Oaks – “our filly is guaranteed to stay”.

Gosden, meanwhile, gives frank assessments about Thought Worthy’s credentials for the Investec Derby – “he’s crying out for a mile and half”, Masked Marvel’s chances in the Coronation Cup – “he’s in top order” – and The Fugue’s challenge for Investec Oaks glory – “she’s a smooth-actioned, well-balanced filly”.

There’s also a fascinating look by Lydia Hislop at the Epsom experience from a horse’s perspective – from the route the horses take pre-race to the unique challenges of the track itself, which presents the most demanding mile-and-a-half test of them all.

“This Armchair Jockeys instalment is a ‘must see’,” said British Champions Series CEO, Rod Street.

“Rishi, Lydia and Steve have captured the magic of Epsom, especially Lydia’s brilliant feature on the track itself, and the trainer interviews are packed full of invaluable information.”

To watch the full programme, CLICK HERE.