Derby Trial Joy For The Maestro?

There is plenty to look forward to this weekend with some more Classic Trials, some decent handicaps and the Curragh staging the second day of their opening two day fixture for the season.

Get on Dods
The Victoria Cup at Ascot is one of the big early betting heats of the season and Get Knotted is the horse picked out at a bit of value to run a big race here.

Michael Dods’ charge made a decent return to action at Haydock last month and although he was no match for the winner on that occasion, this sort of test should suit him and his style of dropping in a lot better. The faster they go early the better he is likely to be staying on and at 20/1 he looks good value to run a big race in what is probably not a vintage renewal of this race.

O’Brien to launch another Derby candidate
Despite there being no certainty in Saxon Warrior’s ability to stay the trip in the Derby or handle the unique undulations of Epsom, he is definitely a worthy favourite in the race.

O’Brien will test the water for the Derby again on Saturday with Kew Gardens going to the Lingfield Derby Trial and with his experience, Kew Gardens should win this.

O’Brien famously won the Derby last year with an outsider and that is probably all Kew Gardens can expect to be here. Although, he won a listed event over 10 furlongs last year and should follow the norm for Ballydoyle horses of improving from his first to his second run of the season so looks the horse they all have to beat.

Jaega time at the Curragh
The Curragh Racecourse continues its development and remains on course to be ready for the start of next season. Racegoers there this year will be pleasantly surprised at the transformation over the winter months and there is some good racing there again on Friday despite the unfortunate rain that turned the ground heavy yesterday.

Those conditions shouldn’t harm Dermot Weld’s Jaega and although this is a bit of a step up from her debut to second run, she does look capable of moving swiftly up through the ranks and her ability to handle heavy ground is a big plus on Saturday.

She’ll have to run to a high mark to win the Blue Wind Stakes but it doesn’t look beyond her on the basis of her debut earlier this season at Leopardstown when she had Oaks contender and Chester winner Magic Wand in behind.

Recommended Bets:
Get Knotted (20/1) E/W – 4.00 Ascot
Kew Gardens (6/4) – 2.30 Lingfield
Jaega – 4.30 Curragh

*Prices correct at time of publication