Aidan O’Brien may have lost his dominance in the Classics this season, but a new batch of hopefuls are flying the flag for the Irish battalion, spearheaded by today’s Beresford Stakes winner St Nicolas Abbey.
Sea The Stars - now odds on
Running in a race won last year by five-time Group One winner Sea the Stars, the bay colt claimed victory in the Group Two contest, beating home some classy juveniles, including Goldolphin’s Passion for Gold, and Jim Bolger’s Reiteration.
William Hill responded to the victory by promoting the son of Montjeu to the head of the Derby betting, shortening him to 10-1 from 16-1, ahead of Jim Bolger’s 14-1 chance Chabal.
Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, said: ‘’Well it appears to be that time of the year again where the juvenile strength of Ballydoyle is unleashed. St Nicholas Abbey confirmed the reason for his lofty reputation with today’s victory, and looks to be the yard’s number one Derby hope at this stage.’’
In other ante-post news, Sea the Stars is now odds-on with Hills for next week’s Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. John Oxx’s superstar was today shortened to 5-6 from even money for the Autumn showpiece.
Investec Epsom Derby 2010: 10-1 St Nicholas Abbey, 14-1 Chabal, 16-1 Coordinated Cut, 20-1 Al Zir, Azmeel, Cape Blanco, Joshua Tree, Viscount Nelson, 33-1 High Twelve, 40-1 Steinbeck (EW odds 1,2,3)
Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe: (William Hill Bet) 5-6 Sea The Stars, 5-1 Fame And Glory, 7-1 Conduit, 10-1 Cavalryman, Stacelita, 12-1 Vision D’Etat , 16-1 Sariska, 20-1 Beheshtam, Dar Re Mi, Getaway, 25-1 Soldier of Fortune, Spanish Moon, Youmzain, 33-1 Look Here, 50-1 Magadan(EW 1/4 1,2,3)
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