On the latest episode of Weekend Winners, the panel reconvene to preview the French Derby from Chantilly.
Sixteen runners have assembled for one of French racing’s biggest prizes – worth £745,000 to the winner.
Despite being handed a less-than-ideal draw in stall 15, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Constitution River heads the betting after connections declined a trip to Epsom to pursue Classic glory in France.
Daryzan, Hawk Mountain and Komorebi are also towards the head of the market, alongside Dolmalan and Hankelow.
Declan Rix
“This looks a warm Classic and on paper looks a great heat. Coolmore have had a shocker with draws so I’m leaving theirs [Constitution River, Hawk Mountain and Montreal] alone. I’m siding with the Andre Fabre-trained runner Komorebi, who ran an absolute screamer in the French 2000 guineas. The rain decimated the ground – which didn’t help him – so a return to better ground will suit.
“The big question mark is will he stay. Being by Pinatubo, who has had plenty of 10-furlong winners, I’m hoping speed kills, especially on this rattling fast ground. He is a great value each-way bet in this if his stamina holds up.”
Kate Tracey
“I like the French-trained runner Dolmalan, who we saw win his trial the other day. You can get a decent price on a horse on the up at the moment. I spoke to his trainer Mikael Dezangles on Sky Sports Racing during the week and he was very positive on his chances.
“He mentioned the possibility of being in the Arc later in the season so there is a possibility he thinks he’s top class. He has been deserted by regular jockey Mickael Barzalona which could be a concern, but I believe he is seriously underestimated here – especially in stall six.”
Sam Boswell
“The horse I will be playing each-way is Montreal, who runs in Chantilly instead of Epsom. Wayne Lordan takes the ride, and he’s had the ‘bounce of the ball’ – winning two Guineas races already. He could get an easy lead on the front end and has the stamina to push on.
“I really wouldn’t be shocked if he outran his odds with him testing the stamina of his other rivals and although he’s the lesser fancied of the Aidan O’Brien runners, he could run a massive race.”
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