The Epsom Derby and Oaks markets have changed their landscape of late, and a further shake-up could appear after Saturday’s racing.
The field of six is headlined by the unbeaten Maho Bay for Godolphin. The Dubawi colt was a taking winner on debut when a six length winner at Kempton in December. He backed that up on the Rowley Mile when making all to fend off Curragh debut winner Amadeus Mozart. Charlie Appleby fielded that last Lingfield trial runner to follow up at Epsom with Adayar’s third to Third Realm in 2021.
Aidan O’Brien has won this three times since 2019 including with Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck. The Ballydoyle handler is represented by Isaac Newton here, who is winless since his Goodwood maiden success. He was behind Morshdi in the Fielden last time, and he isn’t particularly bred for this trip on the dam-side.
William Haggas will have a good indicator as to how Maltese Cross will fare against Isaac Newton. The Sea The Stars colt was a neck winner at Newbury on seasonal debut, staying on well to fend off My Love Is King. William Haggas hasn’t won the Derby since Shaamit in 1996, he’ll be hoping Maltese Cross can fare strongly on Saturday.
Balzac was behind Maltese Cross on debut, but arrives on the back of a third in the Blue Riband. Bay Of Brilliance had A Taste Of Glory behind him at Goodwood, completing what looks to be a trappy six runner contest.
Coolmore doubly represented in Oaks Trial
Aidan O’Brien had his Oaks chances bolstered at Chester on Wednesday, and bids to strengthen his team at Lingfield. He’s declared two for Saturday, Bloom and Cameo. The former, a daughter of Wootton Bassett, shaped as if needing the run when third at Navan last month. Cameo, also a daughter of Wootton Bassett, shaped as if needing a trip when fifth at the Curragh.
The pair will have to fend off Romantic Symphony, who took her record to two from two at Kempton. The homebred son of Dubawi is from a family that’s served connections well. She’s a full sister to 2021 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Yibir, and 2018 Oaks second Wild Illusion, who went on to win two Group 1’s.
Prizeland arrives after an eight length win in a Novice here last month. She would have to improve on ratings, but she is a half-sister to 2022 Derby second Hoo Ya Mal. Amora Queen finalises the field of five, who looks to be very much up against it.