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The 2013 Epsom Derby is run tonight at 1am Australian time. Join us as we live blog the United Kingdom’s most prestigious race for three year olds.
More than Britain’s richest race, it is arguably the world’s most famous race, a byword for class and honour.
Geldings and fillies are ineligible to contest the Derby, so victory in this historic contest – to be run for the 234th time this year – ensures a future at stud for the winner.
The Epsom course, an hour from London, provides a unique test for the emerging thoroughbred: one must have the stamina to overcome steep climbing ground early, but also the ability to sprint down the hill from Tattenham Corner.
There have been some terrific editions of the race in recent years, from the demolition jobs handed out by Workforce and Camelot to the late burst of Pour Moi two years ago.
Pour Moi never raced again, but it gave the world a new star in French jockey Mickael Barzalona, who looks like a nine year old with arrogance and humility in equal parts. In many ways, he looked a young Frankie Dettori, the world’s most famous jockey who Barzalona would eventually replace at global powerhouse Godolphin.
There was one crucial difference, though – Barzalona won the Epsom Derby at his first attempt, as a brash young 19 year old.
For Dettori, the Derby proved his hoodoo race, the one trophy which continually eluded him despite some prize rides – horses of the ilk of Dubai Millennium, who faced his one and only defeat in the Derby, come to mind.
It was a hoodoo he finally put to rest in 2007 when he partnered Authorized to a dominant victory.
This week, much of the lead up to the Derby has been dominated by speculation as to whether Dettori would make a return from a six month suspension for testing positive to recreational drugs. Indeed, he returned to riding at Epsom yesterday but will not have the opportunity to add another Derby to his resume.
A year after Dettori’s victory on Authorized, a somewhat weak Derby went to Jim Bolger’s New Approach. Both horse and trainer are key players in this year’s edition of the race.
This crop of three year olds has seen the first of New Approach’s progeny, and to say he has created a big impression is quite the understatement. He has a full book for this year’s Australian breeding season already, the first of Darley’s sires to be fully booked.
Much of the hype has been thanks to Dawn Approach, the star colt in this three year old crop and also trained by Bolger.
A gun two year old, he has had the one start as a three year old for victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in a dominant performance, but questions have been asked of his stamina, and it remains a question that won’t be answered until they are a furlong from home at Epsom.
Many comparisons have been drawn with Sea The Stars, who also faced questions over his stamina yet still managed to prevail in the Derby.
He remains the one to beat, but there are plenty who can beat him if he doesn’t see out a strong 12 furlongs.
Germany’s racing industry has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, thanks to horses like Arc winner Danedream. This year sees the first ever German runner in an Epsom Derby in the form of Chopin.
Bought by Sheikh Al Thani of Dunaden fame after his last start victory, Chopin is trained by a noted traveller of horses in Andreas Wöhler, who brought Silvano (4th in 2001) and Paolini (10th in 2004) to Australia for the Cox Plate.
The son of Santiago won in imperial fashion at Krefeld last time out, defeating subsequent German 2000 Guineas runner up Global Bang by eight lengths.
Like many in the field, the mile and a half remains a query but he looks the wildcard and a victory for Germany is not out of the question.
France won the Epsom Derby with Pour Moi two years ago and will be hoping to take another Derby with Ocovango, an unbeaten son of Monsun who won at Group 2 level last time out.
He seems quite versatile, handling any going, and should appreciate the larger field at Epsom. He’s another one that can’t be ruled out.
And then there is the might of Aidan O’Brien, Ireland’s favourite son, who once again has close to half the field in a bid to add to last year’s victory by Camelot.
O’Brien’s son and stable jockey Joseph rides Battle of Marengo, an unbeaten colt who was at one stage favourite for this race. He is joined by Chester Vase winner Ruler of the World, Festive Cheer and likely pacemaker Flying The Flag.
However, the best chance of O’Brien’s runners may be the untapped Mars, who was a somewhat disappointing sixth to Dawn Approach in the 2000 Guineas.
That said, he looks like he’ll appreciate a mile and a half and I’d be keeping a close eye on him.
2013 Epsom Derby selections:
1. Chopin
2. Dawn Approach
3. Ocovango
The Epsom Derby jumps at 1am Sydney time. Join The Roar’s Justin Cinque as he covers England’s great race.
Earlier in the night, globetrotters St Nicholas Abbey, Dunaden and Joshua Tree clash in the Coronation Cup over the same trip as the Derby.
St Nicholas Abbey is aiming to win a third Coronation Cup, with Dunaden and Joshua Tree hoping to take over his throne.
Given the small field of five runners, it looks St Nicholas Abbey’s race to lose, a fact reflected in his price ($1.33 at the time of writing).
(Preview by Andrew Hawkins)
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