As we head into the weekend, and on the eve of the Investec Derby, we can look back at the first seven days of the relaunched The Winning Line UK. New content has been added each day (this will continue for a few weeks), whilst the daily previews have been adding profit on an ever increasing level. A profit of 15.8pts for the first seven days is encouraging and hopefully this form will continue into the foreseeable future.
The short term future of The Winning Line UK revolves around the biggest race of the UK racing calendar, the Investec Derby. O'Brien is mob handed and although that normally suggests he doesn't have an outstanding challenger he does saddle two horses who'll be challenging for favouritism, Fame And Glory and Rip Van Winkle. Both have outstanding claims but it would be foolhardy to rule out Black Bear Island, Masterofthehorse, Age Of Aquarius and Golden Sword on the strength of their jockey bookings.
The Irish have a firm grip in the Investec Derby and the main threat to the Ballydoyle juggernaut comes in the shape of 2000 Guineas victor, Sea The Stars. He looked a high class individual when winning the first Classic of the season at Newmarket and although he may be the best horse in the race his stamina for the Derby trip is untested.
Jim Bolger is returning to Epsom twelve months after his controversial victory with New Approach and he saddles another Galileo colt, Gam Amhras, who finished third in the 2000 Guineas. He should improve for the trip but he’ll have to if he wants to emulate the fabulous New Approach.
Crowded House leads the home challenge and given his current price it’s easy to forget he was favourite for the Investec Derby throughout the winter. He had an excuse when disappointing in the Dante and if he returned to the form which saw him destroy the field in the Racing Post Trophy then he could be a serious challenger to the raiders from the Emerald Isle.
All-in-all this year’s renewal of the Investec Derby looks a competitive and enthralling race. Team tactics from the Ballydoyle sextet could have an influence on the outcome of the race and the winner may not be the best horse in the race. One thing that is sure though is that the winner will be a high class individual who’s sure to go on and make a mark in other Group 1s latter on in the season.
Hopefully the form of The Winning Line UK will continue and we’ll be celebrating along with connections in the winner’s enclosure.
Be lucky.
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