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So You Think favourite for King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

May 3, 2011 By simon

This article titled “So You Think makes impressive debut at the Curragh for Aidan O’Brien” was written by Greg Wood, for The Guardian on Monday 2nd May 2011 19.38 UTC

So You Think, a five-time Group One winner in Australia, is clear favourite for the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July following an impressive European debut for Aidan O’Brien at the Curragh on Monday. Sent off at odds of 2-13, the son of High Chaparral was a dominating presence in the paddock beforehand and imposed his superiority on the Group Three Mooresbridge Stakes, drawing 10 lengths clear at the line.

The horse’s wins in Australia include the Cox Plate, the country’s premier open middle-distance event, and he is as short as 5-2 (from 6-1) with Paddy Power to take its British equivalent at Ascot this year.

“He’s only been doing half speeds at home and was just ready to start today,” O’Brien said. “You couldn’t have asked for more; he’s an incredible specimen and it’s a privilege to have him.”

So You Think is now likely to be aimed at the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh on 22 May, where he could face Workforce, last year’s Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner,

The connections of World Domination, the ante-post favourite for the Derby, said on Mondaythat he is still expected to need his next race in the Dante Stakes at York next week. Henry Cecil’s colt was unraced at two, but made a striking racecourse debut at Newbury last month.

“World Domination has had a bruise on his foot, as Henry mentioned at the weekend,” Teddy Grimthorpe, Prince Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager, said. “It has been treated but he’s missed a piece of work.

“We will still go to the Dante but obviously he is likely to need that run. The Derby is still in the plan but Henry just wanted to make people aware.”

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010

Published via the Guardian News Feed plugin for WordPress.

Filed Under: 2000 Guineas, News, So You Think Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Article, Greg Wood, Horse racing, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, News, News & features, Sport, The Derby, The Guardian

Smullen Favourite To Take Over From Murtagh

November 8, 2010 By Carl Harris

Johnny Murtagh has released a statement revealing he will no longer ride as stable jockey to Coolmore and Ballydoyle. Johnny Murtagh began his role, principally riding for trainer Aidan O’Brien, in 2008 and the operation have enjoyed huge success in that period.

Murtagh splits from Ballydoyle

Johnny Murtagh guided the brilliant Yeats to two of his four victories in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, as well as enjoying multiple Classic victories on the likes of Henrythenavigator, Fame And Glory and most recently Cape Blanco in this year’s Irish Derby.

William Hill have opened betting on who will become the next retained stable jockey at Ballydoyle after Johnny Murtagh. The bookies, who were responding to a number of requests from punters for the market, have installed Pat Smullen as their 6-4 favourite to succeed Murtagh when he eventually leaves the Coolmore outfit.

The flamboyant Frenchman Christophe Soumillon is the 7-2 second favourite to get the job, while Aidan OBriens son Joseph, who has ridden 34 winners this season, is next in the betting at 5-1.

Other interesting contenders, when the vacancy becomes available, could be the former British Champion jockey Ryan Moore (11-2), this years British title runner-up Richard Hughes (7-1) and Goldikovas jockey Olivier Peslier.

We received a number of requests for the market on Sunday morning, said Hills Irish spokesman Tony Kenny, It was a bit of a surprise because Johnny is doing such a great job at Balydoyle.

Pat Smullen is our favourite at the moment, but whoever gets the job after Johnny will have some mighty boots to fill.

Next Retained Ballydoyle Stable Jockey after Johnny Murtagh: (William Hill bet): 6-4 Pat Smullen, 7-2 Christophe Soumillon, 5-1 Joseph OBrien, 11-2 Ryan Moore, 7-1 Olivier Peslier, Richard Hughes, 8-1 Fran Berry, 9-1 Kieran Fallon, 10-1 Garrett Gomez, Steven Arnold, 12-1 Declan McDonogh, 16-1 Seamus Heffernan, Colm ODonoghue, Kent Desormeaux, 20-1 Paul Hanagan, 33-1 Frankie Dettori, 50-1 Mike Smith others on request (Bets void if new stable jockey isnt announced by the end of 2011 plus appointment must be confirmed by Ballydoyle in an official press statement)

Filed Under: Horseracing News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Ballydoyle, Johnny Murtagh

The Hitman on Saturday, Free Horseracing Tips, 2 October

October 1, 2010 By Carl Harris

Absinthe Made of Strong Stuff at 11/1 in Cambridgeshire

Free Horseracing Tips from Carl 'The Hitman' Harris

By Carl Harris- The Hitman

Carl ‘The Hitman’ Harris marks your card with Saturday’s best best at Newmarket….Free Horseracing Tips, Exclusive to Racing Diary

The big betting race of the day is the Totesport Cambridgeshire at Newmarket where the rain has been falling steadily and the ground is plenty soft enough for many runners. The trick therefore is to find the right horse on the right ground at the right price. It is another decent card and a very big weekend of horseracing in Europe. I will be punting from Redcar on Saturday to Longchamp on Sunday, as exciting as it is diverse, I think you will agree.

Newmarket kicks off on Saturday with the Tattersalls £300,000 Fillies Trophy and the £500,000 Tattersalls Millions two-year-old Trophy, with a valuable prize money attracting the inevitable big fields, but in these races class usually prevails.

1:55 Newmarket, Together, Win. Last Year Aidan O’Brien and Johnny Murtagh teamed up to land this race with the odds-on Lily Langtry who was rated 109 and won with plenty in hand. This year they are back with a filly rated 108 in Together and comes here after running White Moonstone to and neck in the group 1 fillies mile at Ascot last Saturday. She is by far, on all known form, the best filly in this field and I see history repeating itself with Aidan O’Brien and Johnny Murtagh landing this quite easily. I just hope the layers give us a workable price.

Johnny Murtagh can win on Together

2:25 Newmarket, Formosina, Win. There are plenty of on exposed types in this 27 strong field, however there are a couple that have real decent form not least the Richard Hannon trained Measuring Time, Janood ( who disappointed last time but outgrew one level) and Jeremy Noseda’s colt Formosina. He comes here having lost nothing in defeat to the very highly rated Temple Meads, who of course ran in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes on Friday. This is a competitive race and you always have to fear unexposed horses so caution is advised but the form looks good and there may be some value to be had.

3:00 Newmarket, (Group 1), Music Show, Win. This is a very good race for fillies over a mile with the three-year-olds taking on older horses. The one I really like is the Mick Channon trained Music Show who prove what a really good filly she is when landing the group 1 Falmouth Stakes on the July Course. She Had Several of Today’s Runners behind and lost nothing in defeat in France behind Goldikova and in Ireland behind Lily Langtry and Spacious. The big difference today though is that Richard Hughes is back on board who was on board in the Falmouth. In a competitive race Music Show should represent some value and I make her my best bet of the day.

3:40 Newmarket (The Cambridgeshire), Absinthe, Win and Place. This is always a competitive race and the 2010 renewal of the Toteport Cambridgeshire is no exception. John Gosden seems to hold the key to this with two highly fancied runners, indeed Nationalism, the mount of stable jockey William Buick has been the subject of a sustained ante-post gamble and will almost certainly go off favourite. I can see why he is favourite after a good win at Goodwood, on soft ground, he looks well treated but 4/1 is absolutely no value and I prefer to look elsewhere. At double-digit odds the one I like the look of is the Walter Swinburn trained Absinthe. After a long layoff he returned to action at Kempton in April finishing third in handicap company and after another layoff he returned to action at Sandown to win very well and then did so again at Windsor to earn and nine pound rise in the weights. Now from a mark of 92 the question one needs to ask is how is the handicapper now got to him? I don’t think so, I certainly think he is capable of running a big race off that Mark and we do know that the ground will not be an issue so I think he is worth taking a chance on at decent odds. Of course this is a competitive race but you have to be in it to win it!

I will be back with a preview of the Arc for tomorrow, until then good luck!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Cambridgeshire, Free Horseracing Tips, Johnny Murtagh, Music Show, Newmarket

Starspangledbanner Targets July Cup

June 24, 2010 By Carl Harris

Following a demolition of his sprinting in rivals in last weeks Golden Jubilee, Starspangledbanner has come in for sustained support in his next target is the July Cup. He faces a challenge from Laddies Poker Two and Fleeting Spirit.

Starspangledbanner, July Cup Bid Next

Having been 9-2 following his Ascot win, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was cut again today to 9-4 from 5-2 with William Hill to triumph in next month’s Group One July Cup dash. A victory that would enhance his position in the Global Sprint Challenge, and pose a difficult dilemma for his owners who are currently committed to exploiting his stallion potential.

Other overseas challenges come in the form of Golden Jubilee third Kinsale King, who was also trimmed by Hills today to 10-1 from 12-1, and Godolphin’s recent Australian import Denman who is currently 14-1 with Hills to add a British Group One to his name, on his first run for new connections.

The best hope of a British victory lies firmly in the hands of Jeremy Noseda’s Fleeting Spirit, who is currently 6-1 with William Hill to defend her title, having triumphed in last year’s edition of the race. Noseda also holds chances in Wokingham handicap winner Laddies Poker Two, who having triumphed in Handicap Company, is 14-1 with Hills to follow up in Group One class.

Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill said: Usually a wide-open betting affair, punters have turned this race into a one-horse book with an unstinting show of support for Starspangledbanner. Those in attendance at Ascot last week, knew they witnessed something very special, and have shown their support in cash.

July Cup: William Hill Bet: 9-4 Starspangledbanner, 6-1 Fleeting Spirit, 10-1 Kinsale King, 12-1 Laddies Poker Two, Society Rock, 14-1 Nicconi, 16-1 Equiano, Happy Zero, Kingsgate Native, 20-1 Arcano, High Standing, Joy And Fun, Main Aim, War Artist, 25-1 Marchand D’Or, Prime Defender, Red Jazz, Showcasing, Triple Aspect, 33-1 Bar (EW 1/4 1,2,3)

Filed Under: Horseracing News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Fleeting Spirit, Jeremy Noseda, July Cup, Starspangledbanner

Jan Vermeer, Favourite For irish Derby

June 23, 2010 By Carl Harris

Jan Vermeer installed as favourite for Irish Derby

Jan Vermeer is the 2/1 favourite for the Dubai Duty Irish Derby with totesport following the news that only last week’s Royal Ascot hero Monterosso has been supplemented for Sunday’s race at the Curragh. At 5/1 it could be a good bet.

Another Mark Johnston win at Royal Ascot

Aidan O’Brien has another typically strong hand as he aims to win the race for the fifth time in succession. As well as the favourite, he also has the 4/1 joint-second favourites in the shape of Cape Blanco and Midas Touch as well as Investec Derby runner-up At First Sight and probable pacemaker Bright Horizon.

“Aidan O’Brien would have been disappointed with the way Jan Vermeer ran in the Investec Derby but Ballydoyle’s previous four winners of the Irish equivalent have all been beaten at Epsom before going on to win at the Curragh so the favourite is well worth another shot to prove his worth,” said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

The supplemented Monterosso is a 5/1 shot with totesport to add the Irish Derby to his Royal Ascot success whilst Coordinated Cut and Chabal are next in the market at 10/1 and 11/1 respectively.

Elsewhere, Deauville Flyer has been popular for the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday and has been cut to 7/1 (from 8/1) by totesport at the head of the market. Overturn has also been backed and is now the clear 8/1 second favourite (from 9/1) whilst Chiberta King is 10/1 from 11/1.

John Smith’s Northumberland Plate – totesport bet: 7 (from 8) Deauville Flyer, 8 (from 9) Overturn, 9 Junior, Mamlook, 10 (from 11) Chiberta King, 11 Bernie The Bolt, Red Cadeaux, 12 Elyaadi, Halla San, 14 Crackentorp, Dazinski, Drunken Sailor, Merchant Of Dubai, Opinion Poll, 16 Aaim To Prosper, Desert Sea, Rajik, Spirit Is Needed, Tyrrells Wood, Wells Lyrical, 20 Just Rob, La Vecchia Scuola, Sabotage, Sopranist, Stanstill, 25 Bow To No One, Brett Vale, Cosmic Sun, Moon Indigo, My Arch, Royal Diamond, Shipmaster, Sleepy Hollow, Tilt, Zaralabad, 33 Becausewecan, Bothy, Dazzling Light, Macarthur, Theola, 40 Act Of Kalanisi, Dulcie, Overrule, 50 Crocus Rose, Grey Granite, Raincoat, 66 Inchnadamph, 100 Royal Trooper, 150 Gaselee.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby – totesport bet: 2 Jan Vermeer, 4 Cape Blanco, Midas Touch, 5 Monterosso, 10 Coordinated Cut, 11 Chabal, 14 At First Sight, 16 Carraiglawn, 16 Puncher Clynch, 20 Dubawi Phantom, 100 Bright Horizon.

1/5 1-2-3

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes – totesport bet: Evs Workforce, 7/2 Harbinger, 6 Sariska, 7 Dar Re Mi, 12 Daryakana, Jan Vermeer, 14 Age Of Aquarius, Rewilding, Age Of Aquarius, Rewilding, Youmzain, 16 Ask, Midday, Profound Beauty, Spanish Moon, 25 Alainmaar, Cavalryman, Cutlass Bay, Holberg, Midas Touch, Simon De Montfort, 33 Campanologist, Chabal, Mawatheeq, 40 Allybar, 50 Al Zir, Crowded House, Glass Harmonium, Very Good Day, Viscount Nelson, Wajir, 66 Jukebox Jury, Redwood, 100 Confront.

¼ 1-2-3

Ladbrokes St Leger – totesport bet: 9/2 Rewilding, 8 Midas Touch, Monterosso, 10 Mikhailo Glinka, 12 Coordinated Cut, 14 Berling, 16 Dandino, Theology, Total Command, 20 Ted Spread.

¼ 1-2-3

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – totesport bet: 3 Workforce, 5 Fame And Glory, 6 Lope de Vega, 10 Byword, Harbinger, 12 St Nicholas Abbey, 16 Dar Re Mi, Sariska.

¼ 1-2-3

2000 Guineas: 9 Strong Suit, 16 Elzaam, 20 Zaidan.

Filed Under: Horseracing News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Irish Derby, Jan Vermeer, mark johnston

Aidan O’Brien In Bother

June 7, 2010 By Carl Harris

Aidan O’Brien has been officially charged by the British Horseracing Authority following Cape Blanco‘s victory in the Dante Stakes at York in May.

Aidan O'Brien has been charged by BHA

The Ballydoyle handler refused to allow his stable lad Pat Keating permission to trot the horse up in front of the BHA’s veterinary officer and the senior racecourse veterinary surgeon as part of their examination of the colt. This comes after the O’Brien runners ran poorly in the English and French Derbys, having all been well beaten apart from the pacemaker who finished second at 100/1 in The Epsom Derby.

O’Brien has been charged with breaches of Rule (A)37 and (B)83, in that he encouraged and/or caused Keating to refuse to comply with two instructions given by the stewards. No date has been announced for the hearing yet.

I think that common sense has to come in here, I don’t know why the BHA had to get involved and O’Brien in my view was right to not want a third party vet getting involved. There was no welfare issue, Ballydoyle have their own vets and the race was over. Prior to the race then that would be different. This is nonesense in my book and only makes British Racing look silly.

Filed Under: Horseracing News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Cape Blanco, Dante Stakes, York

Will Aidan O’Brien Train The Derby Winner?

June 3, 2010 By Carl Harris

Aidan O’Brien even money to train winner of Investec Derby

Epsom’s official betting partner totesport have released a host of specials on the Investec Derby after twelve were declared for the 1m4f classic on Saturday.

Aidan O'Brian and Johnny Murtagh

Aidan O’Brien trains three of the twelve declared – including hot favourite Jan Vermeer – and it’s an even money chance that the Ballydoyle maestro trains the winner with 8/11 being offered that any other horse wins.

‘Whilst Aidan O’Brien may not have the strength in-depth that many thought he would have in this year’s Derby, there are many that think that he is still on course to train his 3rd winner of the classic and it’s even money that he does so,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

For his part Johnny Murtagh is very confident that he will run a big race in The Derby. He told the Racing Post: “Like Jan Vermeer, Midas Touch is a very nice horse. The Derrinstown is always a good race and it was solidly run this year with a track record at the end of it.

“I did pick Midas Touch over Jan Vermeer in France last year, but my lad has now beaten Midas Touch the twice he has met him, so that’s what swayed me. It’s always a tough race with a lot of very good horses in it, but I’m very confident.”

Bullet Train and Workforce head a special English-trained Derby market at 11/4, with Rewilding next in the betting at 4/1 and Azmeel 6/1. Midas Touch has been the one punters have wanted to be with this afternoon and Aidan O’Brien’s colt is now 11/2 (from 6/1) with totesport.

Investec Derby Special: AP O’Brien vs the field – totesport bet: 8/11 The Field, Evs AP O’Brien-trained winner.

Investec Derby Special: English Trained Derby – totesport bet: 11/4 Bullet Train, Workforce, 4 Rewilding, 6 Azmeel, 10 Al Zir, Coordinated Cut, 16 Ted Spread, 25 Buzzword, Hot Prospect.

Investec Derby Special: Match Bets – totesport bet: 8/11 Workforce, Evs Bullet Train; 5/6 Al Zir, 5/6 Coordinated Cut; 8/11 Ted Spread, Evs Hot Prospect.

Investec Derby – totesport bet: 7/4 Jan Vermeer, 5 Workforce, 11/2 (from 6) Midas Touch, 6 Bullet Train, 15/2 Rewilding, 12 Azmeel, 20 Al Zir, Coordinated Cut, 33 Ted Spread, 50 Buzzword, Hot Prospect, 150 At First Sight.

£25 Free Bet For Epsom…..

Filed Under: Horseracing News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Investec Derby, Johnny Murtagh, The Derby

St Nicholas Abbey Out Of Derby

June 1, 2010 By Carl Harris

St Nicholas Abbey, Long Time Ante Post Favourite for The Derby For So Long is OUT of Friday’s Derby.

Fame and Glory Out of Derby

The three-year-old colt was on Tuesday morning found to have suffered a slight muscle injury in a hind quarter. A statement on Coolmore.com reads;

“St Nicholas Abbey was due to work first thing this morning, however when he came out of his box we noticed he was stiff behind. He had looked slightly stiff yesterday evening. His work on Friday last was a little lacklustre for him and that was the first time we had seen anything different but he was fine afterwards.

He was immediately examined and scanned by our vets this morning. They found a slight muscle injury high up in his hind quarter. This meant he could not work today and we were advised to give him an easy few days.

Obviously this will preclude him from running in the Investec Derby on Saturday. We always thought St Nicholas Abbey could walk on water and it is very unfortunate for all concerned to have a setback like this so close to the big race..”

Winter favourite St Nicholas Abbey has been announced as a non-runner for the Investec Derby this morning.

Jan Vermeer is the 13/8 favourite for Saturday’s Investec Derby with Stan James following the news that long time antepost favourite St Nicholas Abbey will miss the race. Trainer Aidan O’Brien reported the colt pulled out of his box stiff this morning before he was due to work.

Head of PR Charlie McCann: “The news of the defection of St Nicholas Abbey is not wholly unexpected given he was out to 7/2 before news of his injury came to light this morning. We suggest Johnny Murtagh will now ride Jan Vermeer the only Group 1 winner left in the field but the big question now is how many will Ballydoyle saddle? One would expect impressive Derrinstown Derby Trial winner Midas Touch will be on the plane to Epsom but will the unbeaten Cape Blanco take his chance or go to Chantilly for the French version on Sunday?”

The Derby 2010 ~ Outright Ante Post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3):

13-8 Jan Vermeer (from 7/4)
5 Workforce (from 6)
6 Midas Touch (from 7)
13-2 Bullet Train (from 7)
9 Cape Blanco (unchanged)
10 Rewilding (from 11)
14 Azmeel
20 Coordinated Cut
28 Al Zir
28 Ted Spread
66 Bar

William Hill spokesman David Hood said, “This is a real body blow for punters. St Nicholas Abbey had been the long time favourite for the Derby ever since his win in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October. Of course, ante post liabilities are only a fraction of what is incurred on the day, but we estimate that punters would already have stood to win in excess of £3million across the industry.”

Latest Investec Derby Betting: 13-8 Jan Vermeer (from 7-4), 11-2 Workforce (from 6), 6-1 Midas Touch (from 7), Bullet Train (from 8), 9-1 Rewilding, 12-1 Azmeel, Cape Blanco, 20-1 Coordinated Cut, 25-1 Al Zir, 40-1 Ted Spread, 66-1 Buzzword, Hot Prospect 150-1 At First Sight, 200-1 Bright Horizon – (EW ¼ 1,2,3) NR St Nicholas Abbey

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “It’s dreadful news for punters. They kept the faith all through the Winter. We reckon at least £2 million has been staked on St Nicholas Abbey since late last Summer. There’s no way to soften the blow. It highlights the perils of antepost punting but the timing and scale of the news have combined to render it very bleak news indeed.”

Ladbrokes Prices: 7/4 Jan Vermeer, 6 Workforce, 7 Midas Touch, 7 Bullet Train, 7 Cape Blanco, 10 Rewilding, 14 Azmeel, 20 Coordinated Cut, 25 Al Zir, 40 Ted Spread, 50 Buzzword, 50 Hot Prospect, 66 bar (1/4 odds 1,2,3)

Given the money for Jan Vermeer and the vibes emanating from Ballydoyle over the past few days, it’s not the biggest surprise to see St Nicholas Abbey miss the Derby but this will be a real kick in the teeth for ante-post punters who had piled on the Racing Post Trophy winner over the winter,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Investec Derby – totesport bet: 13/8 (from 7/4) Jan Vermeer, 6 (from 7) Bullet Train, Midas Touch, Workforce, 9 Cape Blanco, 10 (from 12) Rewilding, 12 (from 14) Azmeel, 20 (from 25) Coordinated Cut, 25 Al Zir, Ted Spread, 40 (from 50) Buzzword, 50 (from 66) Hot Prospect, 100 At First Sight, 150 Bright Horizon.

Get the latest Derby odds with 888 Sport

Filed Under: Horseracing News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, Investec Derby, St Nicholas Abbey

Aidan O’Brien Leaves Six In The Derby

May 31, 2010 By Carl Harris

A total of 15 colts have been left in the Investec Derby at the latest declaration stage and Jan Vermeer is now the 9/4 favourite (from 5/2) with Epsom’s official betting partner totesport.

Sea The Stars last year's Derby winner

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for six of the 15 acceptors but winter ante-post favourite St Nicholas Abbey continues to drift in the market after a less than satisfactory workout last week and is now out to 4/1 (from 7/2).

‘It’s looking increasingly likely that Jan Vermeer will go off favourite for this year’s Derby and will surely shorten further if Johnny Murtagh decides to ride him instead of St Nicholas Abbey,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Godolphin now have three in the race following their decision to supplement both recent Goodwood winner Rewilding and Buzzword. The former is a 12/1 shot with totesport whilst Buzzword has been introduced into the market at 50/1. Al Zir is their other remaining entry and is available at 33/1. Godolphin pay £75,000 to supplement Rewilding on Saturday and also add stablemate Buzzword. Chabal a non-runner.

Henry Cecil’s Bullet Train has also come in for support and is now a 7/1 shot (from 8/1).

Investec Coronation Cup - totesport bet: 11/10 Fame And Glory, 9/4 Sariska, 6 Cavalryman, 7 Youmzain, 14 Jukebox Jury, 16 High Heeled, 25 South Easter, 33 Clowance, 66 Dixie Music, 100 Bashkirov.

Kieren Fallon will partner Bikini Babe for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston in The Oaks. Claire Baldings thoughts….

Investec Oaks – totesport bet: 9/2 Aviate, 5 Rumoush, 6 (from 13/2) Timepiece, Sajjhaa, 8 Remember When, 9 Akdarena, 12 Ceilidh House, Gertrude Bell, 14 Snow Fairy, 25 Awe Inspiring, Champagnelifestyle, Hibaayeb, 33 Cabaret, Marie de Medici, Meeznah, 66 Bikini Babe, 100 Lady Lupus.

Investec Derby – totesport bet: 9/4 (from 5/2) Jan Vermeer, 4 St Nicholas Abbey, 7 (from 8) Bullet Train, Midas Touch, 15/2 Workforce, 9 Cape Blanco, 12 Rewilding, 14 Azmeel, 25 Coordinated Cut, 33 Al Zir, Ted Spread, 50 Buzzword, 66 Hot Prospect, 100 At First Sight, 150 Bright Horizon.

¼ 1-2-3

Remember what Aidan O’Brien had to say on Saturdays Morning Line….

Filed Under: Horseracing News Tagged With: Aidan O'Brien, The Derby

Derby Picture Very Unclear Following O’Brien Interview

May 29, 2010 By Carl Harris

Aidan O’Brien came on channel 4′s morning line to clarify the situation for the Investec Derby about his four horses, but left viewers more confused than they were before.

Murtagh delays Derby Decision

Johnny Murtagh is to delay his decision on which horse he will ride in the Investec Derby after saying that St Nicholas Abbey disappointed him in a spin on Friday. O’Brien said it wasn’t disappointing, just not as scintillating as normal.

St Nicholas may not run at Epsom if they are unhappy and Jan Vermeer now favourite for the Derby was due to go to France. What was clear in the Channel 4 interview is that Coolmore don’t know who will run where or who will ride who but did say they will know by Wednesday, so hold your bets is our advice until then!

It is a nice problem for O’Brien to have but a nightmare for punters. I always think the market has it right and Jan Vermeer must be the one at this stage, with an alarming drift on St Nicholas Abbey. Imagine being Johnny Murtagh, if he makes the wrong decision he will be gutted.

This is what Aidan O’Brieno actually said, on The Morning Line; have a listen…(got 95% of it recorded)

Transcript;
“St Nicholas Abbey did a piece of work on Tuesday and Johnny Murtagh was over the moon with him but he was a little bit disappointed on Friday morning so we decided to let everybody know.

“Colm O’Donoghue rode Midas Touch and he thought he had improved a lot from Leopardstown so that’s also there but usually St Nicholas Abbey is head and shoulders above everything, he’s the most incredible worker you’ve ever seen.

“I suppose it might have just taken Johnny back a bit that he just worked as well as Midas Touch.

“He wasn’t disappointing, just not as scintillating as he usually is.

“There is always a possibility that any horse wouldn’t run, everything has to be right for them to run in a race like that so you could never say never.

“I think we’ll make a final decision in the middle of the week. Obviously we have to decide which horses will go to France. Viscount Nelson will definitely go there and whether something goes with him will be decided in the middle of the week.

“They’ll work again on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the horses, we’ll have the main work done by then.

“The two intended for Epsom were St Nicholas Abbey and Midas Touch, along with At First Sight.

“Jan Vermeer and Cape Blanco had the possibility of going to France too so if there was any doubt about St Nicholas Abbey there is a big chance Jan Vermeer might go to Epsom as well.

“But it’s all up in the air and I would say to everybody to just wait and see because we wouldn’t want to run him unless we were very happy with him.”

Hold Your Bets and keep your eye on Betfair is your top tip at the minute for The Investec Derby!