Derby Day

Mr Tambourine Man runs at Worcester Today

Today is of course Derby Day at Epsom and Aidan O’Brien will attempt to replicate last year’s win with Auguste Rodin as his runners this year, City of Troy lines up as the favourite with stable mate Los Angeles second in the betting. City of Troy has to bounce back from a poor effort in the 2,000 Guineas but the Ballydoyle team can't speak highly enough of their star colt and so I wouldn't be surprised to see a different horse this afternoon.  Derby trial winner Ambiente Friendly will be hoping to feature in the closing stages for newly jocked up Robert Havlin. The race is due off at 4:30pm with a competitive 16 runner field. 

 Yesterday we had two runners for the stable. Rebel Angel ran much better at Chepstow to be third at a big price.  She was slowly away and further back in the field than planned but stayed on nicely all the way up the straight passing rivals.  She was homing in on the winner 3F out but then her run slightly flattened out and she was nabbed for second close home.  She was only beaten just over two lengths and was the best she has run for a while.  Hopefully she can  build on this next time and there is plenty of fun to be had going forwards.  Castle Daragh was very disappointing at Stratford in the hunter chase.  I thought he had a good chance on paper but never really got into a rhythm like last time out at Chepstow.  I think the ground and trip may have not been ideal but I thought he would run better.  We know it is not his true form and I am sure he can bounce back next time.

Today we have two runners at Worcester. Chemical Warfare runs in the 12:40pm Handicap Chase over 2m4f with Jack Tudor on board.  He ran well last time out at Uttoxeter on stable debut finishing fourth over hurdles and staying on well over two miles.  He returns to fences today which should suit and steps up in trip which also looks in his favour.  It is a competitive race and we are about 9/1 in the betting but he is in good form at home and I think he has a good each way chance.   Mr Tambourine Man runs in the 2:55pm Handicap hurdle over 2m7f again with Jack Tudor taking the ride.  He ran well last time out finishing second at Ffos Las over this trip in a first time visor.  If he can repeat that run he won't be far away.  He had been out of sorts a little before that run but it was nice to see him return to form.  He is well treated on past performances and so while again this looks a competitive race I hope he to has a good each way chance.  He likes the track and the ground.  

There is plenty of other racing action today as well.  Epsom of course takes centre stage but there is action at Worcester, Stratford and Hereford over the jumps and on the flat, there are meetings at Epsom, Musselburgh, Doncaster and Lingfield. In Ireland, they have jump cards only today at Tramore and Listowel. 

The UEFA Champions League final takes place tonight at 8:00pm. Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid. Real Madrid are looking to win a record 15^th Champions League while Dortmund have won the competition only the once in 1997.

Somerset cricket team got the defence of their Vitality Blast crown off to a winning start last night at home to Essex.  I went to watch and it was a great game.

 We argued all day over what to call a medieval soldier.
But it was getting late so we called it a knight!

Have a great Saturday.