The big day is here.  The Investec Derby at Epsom today, is the most prestigious race for three year old colts and fillies in Europe.  The unique racecourse is a test in every aspect, you need class, speed, stamina, and luck to win.  We have seen some hard luck stories over the years.  Everyone remembers Dancing Brave, he came from so far back when a running on second to Sharastani, back in the 80’s.  I was fortunate enough to get to know Greville Starkey , he was in Dubai with Singspiel in 1997, riding him in his training before he won the Dubai World Cup.  I was assistant trainer for Mark Tompkins at the time, and was riding Even Top, who ran in the same race, who ran ok, but he didn’t stay 10f.

I asked Greville one day if he thought he should of won (Dancing Brave) he looked at me and said he didn’t handle the track very well, and got shuffled back through the pack, and it was very difficult to make up ground, especially as Walter Swinburn had a dream ride on Sharastani, and he just could not peg him back. Greville was a lovely man, very funny, and we had some fun days and nights, we were both preparing the horses, for about 6 weeks, prior to the big race.

So with all that information in mind.  I am backing Anthony Van Dyck each way.  The race is very open. I have heard that Ryan Moore thinks his mount Sir Dragonet is a very good horse, his problem is stall 13, and inexperience.  He also races on faster ground today than he has encountered before. I have a small investment on Japan each way at good odds, that was an ante post wager, so if he wins, I won’t be upset. Anthony Van Dyck has experience, a good jockey and has class and all the other ingredients.

Lots of great racing to digest, and finding winners on a Saturday is always a nightmare.  I have sent my subscribers a selection this evening, hopefully I have found them a winner.

More later.