Weekend review: Five things we learnt during this weekend’s racing
IT was a busy weekend on the track, with Derby and Oaks trials continuing to take centre stage.
Moving forwards, there was plenty to take in and we’ve compiled the key lessons to take away in one handy place.
1. Sir Michael Stoute has another smart four-year-old
Sextant burst onto the scene in more ways than one at Ascot on Saturday. He’s been gelded over the winter and looks to have doubled in size from three to four.
On the track, making his handicap debut, jockey Louis Steward was always sitting pretty and cruised into the lead up the home straight.
This was only a 0-95 handicap, but he will shoot up the ratings for this win and no doubt looks a stakes horse.
A big handicap at the Royal meeting may be on the agenda. Stoute is a master with horses like this and owned by the Queen, Lizzy could well be cheering him in a few times this summer.
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2. John Gosden Oaks hand goes from strength to strength
It was Anapurna’s turn to throw her hat into the Oaks ring over the weekend.
Backed off the board prior to her run at Lingfield (5-2 into 7-4), she delivered in style for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori.
She ran a tad green, but looks the sort of nimble horse that could thrive at Epsom if she shows she can handle the big occasion.
The bookies were also impressed and the daughter of Frankel is now a best-priced 10-1 for the Oaks next month.
3. It looks Aidan O’Brien versus Too Darn Hot in the Derby
Another two Derby trials, another two Aidan O’Brien winners. Impressive ones at that.
First up was Anthony Van Dyck, who despite being weak in the market, powered clear of his rivals at Lingfield to win by over two lengths. He’s now a top price 8-1 for Epsom.
On Sunday, Broome laboured home at Leopardstown. He’ll undoubtedly improve up in trip again and despite looking ‘slow’, O’Brien hit back and said he’s just a tad lazy and will improve for a better quality race.
Broome is now only behind stablemate Sir Dragonet in the Ballydoyle betting for the Derby, a best price of 7-1 can still be snapped up.
4. Dermot Weld has still got it
After a tricky spell, Irish racing legend Dermot Weld is seemingly well on the comeback trail.
After a strong start to the flat season, he banged in a quickfire treble in the first three races at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Last year’s Derby fifth Hazapour showed a drop to a mile may see him to best effect this summer. He took the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes and is likely to head to Royal Ascot for the Queen Anne.
Also impressive was Hamariyna. She won the 1000 Guineas Trial well, and could now step up in trip as she’s not entered in the Irish Guineas.
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5. Could the best three-year-old come from France this year?
Despite the horrid ground, Persian King impressed in his French 2000 Guineas win on Sunday for Andre Fabre and Godolphin.
After swerving the English equivalent, the pressure was on for the son of Kingman to deliver. He did just that, and did all that was asked of him in tacky ground.
He looks set to stay at home for the time being, with the Prix Du Jockey Club reportedly next on the agenda.
Here’s hoping he takes on the best of the British and Irish at some point. Perhaps, he could even be a live contender for the Arc?