Paul Ferguson two selections from Epsom for us on Saturday; Frankly Darling at 3.40 and English King at 4.55.
It could be a huge day for Frankie Dettori at Epsom, where he rides leading fancies in both Classics. First up, Ribblesdale winner Frankly Darling (3:40) is fancied to outstay 1000 Guineas winner Love in the Investec Oaks.
Given how keen she was in the early stages at Royal Ascot, she did well to see the race out, and was eased up in the closing stages to beat Ennistymon a shade comfortably. If Dettori can get John Gosden’s filly to switch off in the early stages, it isn’t hard to envisage her cruising into contention coming down the hill, and she may have the superior stamina inside the final couple of furlongs.
In the Investec Derby, Dettori rides English King (4:55) who has been weak since he was handed the widest draw in stall one. It is far from ideal (last horse to win the Derby from that berth was Oath in 1999), but I imagine he will be ridden with patience, and hopefully, his jockey can find some cover on the run to the first bend.
Ed Walker’s Camelot colt looked good when winning his maiden at Newcastle last November, and looked a bit special when winning the Derby Trial at Lingfield. Admittedly, that form isn’t the deepest, but he proved his stamina and also his ability to handle an undulating track, and like Frankly Darling, he might be the superior stayer at the business end of the race. I actually saw him as a possible St Leger candidate at the start of the season, and he might well be an each-way price in the morning (already 4-1 with bet365, who are paying four places).
Saturday’s selections:
3:40 Epsom – Frankly Darling; 7/4 William Hill
4:55 Epsom – English King; 4/1 bet365
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