Dawn dominates Derby dozen

Dawn Approach and his trainer, Jim Bolger. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

A red hot Investec Derby with the one horse who might be able to take over Frankel’s mantle, Dawn Approach, pitted against a host of other promising three-year-old colts in the world’s most famous Flat race.

Unbeaten and a deeply impressive winner of the QIPCO 2000 Guineas over a mile, Dawn Approach looks a class above his rivals on Saturday, but the race would appear to hinge on one crucial factor.

Will the Jim Bolger-trained colt stay the mile and a half trip?

His sire, New Approach, won the Investec Derby in 2008. If that bodes well for his stamina, the female side of his breeding does not.

Anyone who backs him to follow in his father’s footsteps is undoubtedly taking a risk, especially as pacemakers will try to ensure that any stamina weakness is exposed.

There are a clutch of other contenders who are much more certain to stay the mile and a half trip and who also have the potential to win.

The first ever German-trained runner in the Investec Derby, Chopin, was recently bought by Qatar Racing and though he has yet to race beyond nine furlongs, his breeding pretty much guarantees that he will excel over 12 furlongs.

Battle Of Marengo, one of five Aidan O’Brien-trained runners (he has taken last weekend’s Irish 2000 Guineas winner, Magician, out of the race), has won his last five races and is an ultra-tough colt. He looks sure to be in the thick of the action.

The unbeaten Ruler Of The World is another O’Brien contender. He’s already won over this trip and could have any amount of improvement in him.

Ocavango represents French champion trainer Andre Fabre, who won the race with Pour Moi in 2011.

Unbeaten in three starts and certain to get the trip, he’s another not to overlook lightly.

Libertarian is Britain’s best hope after he ran out the shock winner of our main Derby Trial, the Betfred Dante Stakes at York earlier in May. 

While guaranteed to stay the trip, his seeming lack of early pace could be the one problem round a demanding track like Epsom.

Another Aidan O’Brien contender, Mars, also warrants respect.

O’Brien played down his chances in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, saying that he would learn from the experience. He ran very promisingly, keeping on well to finish fifth.

Pitched into the Derby with only two races under his belt is a big ask, but he undoubtedly has the potential and the word earlier in the year was that he was one of the main Classic hopes for the O’Brien stable.

The Investec Derby is live on Channle 4 at 4pm on Saturday. To view the full race details and final field, CLICK HERE.