Passing the midpoint of May, we generally have a clear picture of the main contenders for Epsom glory. The key trials have now taken place ahead of the June 1st showpiece, which represents the flagship event of the British flat racing year.
However, in 2024, the Derby trials have provided as many questions as answers, creating a decidedly murky picture ahead of the £1.5m 1m4f Classic. Here, we look back at eight of the key trials and their impact on the Derby market.
2,000 Guineas
First up, Newmarket’s 2,000 Guineas. This race was supposed to represent City Of Troy’s first step towards a tilt at the Triple Crown. Unfortunately, a la Auguste Rodin in 2023, City Of Troy put in a woeful display at HQ to beat only two home. However, such is the reputation of City Of Troy, forged by a sensational juvenile campaign, that the Aidan O’Brien runner remains favourite for Epsom at a general price of 2/1. Auguste Rodin bounced back from his Guineas flop to land the Derby. Can his stablemate repeat the trick?
Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes
Los Angeles may not boast anything like the reputation as stablemate City Of Troy, but he at least enhanced his Epsom credentials when staying on powerfully to claim this 1m2f contest at the Curragh. He isn’t a flashy sort but arrives unbeaten in three career starts – including the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud – and is sired by 2012 Derby hero Camelot. He sits third on most Derby lists at around the 6/1 mark.
Dee Stakes
With only a maiden success to his name from four career starts, Capulet had work to do to book his Derby ticket. However, following a bold front-running success in Chester’s Dee Stakes, he has earned a shot at the prize. In common with City Of Troy, Capulet is sired by US Triple Crown winner Justify and out of a Galileo mare, and may be improving at just the right time – if handling the step up to 1m4f. At a general price of 20/1, he bids to become the first horse to do the Dee Stakes/Derby double since Kris Kin in 2003.
Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes
Leading the charge amongst the British contenders likely to turn up on the day is the James Fanshawe-trained Ambiente Friendly. In common with Capulet, this son of 2,000 Guineas champ Gleaneagles headed to Lingfield with only a maiden success. However, whilst Capulet’s display fell into the workmanlike category, Ambiente Friendly emphatically dispatched a field containing two Aidan O’Brien runners by an eased-down four and a half lengths. The Lingfield Derby Trial hasn’t proven to be the most informative (Anthony Van Dyck is the only horse to follow up since 2000), but few won the race as impressively as this.
Dante Stakes
Since 2000, five Dante winners have gone on to Epsom Glory, making this York contest the pick of the domestic trials. Godolphin’s Ancient Wisdom was the horse expected to land the 2024 edition, but he, and everything else, were blown away by the most sensational display from a three-year-old this season. Cantering all over the field from some way out, the William Haggas-trained Economics sauntered clear to score by six lengths. On that effort, it would take a good horse to stop him in the Derby. However, there is one significant stumbling block – namely that Haggas isn’t keen to ask this giant of a horse to tackle the Epsom undulations. He’s 7/4 with a run with many firms but (barring a late change of heart) is unlikely to turn up.
Chester Vase
Next, a truly tragic entry to the list of 2024 Derby Trials. Charlie Appleby’s Hidden Law appeared set to be installed as the new Derby favourite, having stormed down the outside to slam a talented field by three lengths. However, only a few strides after the line, the Dubawi colt suffered a fatal fracture, having taken a false step when pulling up.
With none of those in behind covering themselves in glory, it will be a shock if the 2024 Derby winner emerges from the Chester Vase.
Betfred Blue Riband Trial
As the only trial held at the distinctive Epsom track, you might think the Blue Riband Trial would be one of the most informative prep races. The record suggests it is anything but, with no horse completing the double since Blue Peter in 1939. Bidding to buck that trend in 2024 is the King Power Racing contender, Bellum Justum. There was plenty to like about the strong finishing effort of this son of Sea The Stars, but the layers weren’t particularly impressed, with Bellum Justum available at a general 28/1.
Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains
This Longchamp event more commonly serves as a stepping stone towards the French Derby, but a few of this year’s field do hold an entry at Epsom. Aidan O’Brien’s Diego Velazquez is the most eye-catching of those, with the 2.4m Guineas purchase running a solid race in fourth. However, with so much depth in the O’Brien yard, the fact he was sent to France for this suggests the French Derby is the ultimate aim.
Potentially more interesting is the Roger Teal colt, Dancing Gemini, who posted an excellent display to go down by just 1/2l despite a troubled passage. He’s yet to race beyond a mile but boasts plenty of appeal on pedigree, being by Derby-winner Camelot and out of a mare by 2014 Derby king Australia. Odds of around 20/1 may prove popular each way – if he takes up this engagement.
