Thursday, June 04, 2009

Latest classic news

Although rain is forecast for the weekend in S. England, the ground is likely to be fast at Epsom for tomorrow´s Oaks and Coronation Cup, and probably on Saturday for the Derby as well. With Aidan O´Brien´s stable jockey expected to partner Rip Van Winkle in the Derby, punters are now unsure which of the stable´s 6 runners to support. In recent years, the no. 1 jockey has frequently chosen the wrong one, and in our view Fame and Glory (Seamus Heffernan) is still Ballydoyle´s best chance. Although Crowded Hoise, and expensive flop last time, has now been declared a definite runner by trainer Brian Meehan, it seems that an Irish victory on the Derby is almost certain, as the main danger to the O´Brien runners is Sea the Stars, the John Oxx-trained winner of the 2,000 Guineas. However the Oaks should be won by a Newmarket trainer if the betting is any guide, as Sariska (Michal Bell), Midday (Henry Cecil) and Philippina (Sir Michael Stoute) are the three fillies at th top of the market.