Only nine runners on the card for the Investec Epsom Derby today, one of the smallest fields for many years – in fact since 1907! Camelot is looking on top form and it could be that he’s just too good, and has frightened off others, even with a total prize fund of £1,325,000!
Aidan O’Brien trains Camelot, and with his son Joseph riding, this would be a unique win – no father/son combination has ever won the Derby. With a Derby win under his belt, O’Brien would be on course for a clean sweep of the English Classics, with only the St Leger left.
With Camelot at 4/6 fav, Bonfire is at 5/1 and Astrology 8/1, Minimise Risk is down at 100/1. The other betting is Main Sequence 10/1, Thought Worthy 16/1, Rugged Cross 50/1 and Cavaleiro 66/1.
Richard Fahey has been talking up his first Derby runner, Mickdaam and reckons he’s in with a shot of a place (currently at 33/1 for a win). Maybe - he’s had some problems with an infected hock, but the trainer reckons he’s up for it. In the Place Market, PaddyPower is offering 5/1.
With a Diamond Jubilee visit from the Royal Family on this historic weekend, all enclosures are sold out. There’s always room on the Hill, though, which is what always makes it a special event. With drizzle this morning, there’s a chance of some sun for the afternoon. Going is expected to be good to firm – good in places. Have fun, and may the odds be with you!
Finally, some late news about Black Caviar – Moody Racing have said that she will definitely not run in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, despite the huge purse on offer, and whether Frankel runs or not. However, Royal Ascot remains a possibility.