AN EPSOM DERBY SURPRISE

Better late than never and it is good news that the Epsom Derby goes ahead this afternoon with some owners allowed attend. Aidan O'Brien runs six in his quest to make history but more importantly to keep the Coolmore stallion list rising.

It's been an unusual year and maybe we are in for a big surprise result?

Max Vega is overpriced on a line of from through Berkshire Rocco. English Channel is favourite with Frankie Dettori booked to ride and beat Berkshire Rocco by just short of 3l in the recent Lingfield Derby trial. However, last season at Newmarket in a Group 3 our selection Max Vega finished just short of 4l ahead of Berkshire Rocco over 1m2f on soft ground. The form is solid as Berkshire Rocco was beaten at Ascot by Santiago who went onto land the Irish Derby last weekend.

Max Vega finished fifth on his only run this season with Pyledriver ahead in second place at Kempton. Pyledriver franked the form with a Group 2 Royal Ascot victory. However, Pyledriver is a big horse and might not handle Epsom as well as Max Vega who is just average sized. We can forgive Max Vega his defeat at Kempton as trainer Ralph Beckett had been slow to get winners following the racing restart. His string is going much better now and Max Vega will enjoy going back on turf and out in trip to 1m4f. Any further rain that falls will be welcome as stamina will not be an issue for Max Vega. Stamina is a concern for Newmarket guineas winner Kameko and Irish guineas runner up Vatican City on a breeding line though!.

Epsom - 4:55

1 Point EACH WAY Max Vega (33/1 generally, look for bookies paying 4 places & B.O.G.)

 

Compare Odds at https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/2020-07-04-epsom/16:55/winner