Colin Keane is hoping he can give Juddmonte a first Oaks winner since Enable in 2017 as he looks ahead to the Epsom classic with Legacy Link. The daughter of Dubawi gave the Gosden’s a joint-record ninth victory in the Musidora Stakes at York last week.
Legacy Link looked as if she may be caught by Felicitas, but gamely fended off the runner up. Now the second favourite for the Oaks, Keane reflected on her chances for a first Classic success. Speaking to the Racing Post, Colin Keane said: “I liked Legacy Link a lot at York. I couldn’t pull her up after she passed the line. It took me ages to pull her up and she ran the whole way round to the back straight. So that’s obviously a good sign for when she steps up in trip.
“You’d imagine the Oaks trip will definitely suit, and she goes there with every chance. She seems very smart.”
Item a ‘colt with a big future’ – Colin Keane
Colin Keane further looked ahead to his Derby chances, as his one-year anniversary with Juddmonte quickly approaches. Keane was third in the 2023 Derby on White Birch, and believes Dante winner Item has a strong chance: “Item had been a bit slow to come to hand. Andrew thought he would come on a lot for his run in the Dante. So for him to do what he did at York was very encouraging.
“He was a little bit fresh in my hands early, but he settled fine after that. When I got to Wayne I thought I was going to go right away and win very easily. But he just pricked his ears and parked a bit.
“Epsom is a very different test to York, but he’s three from three. He’s done nothing wrong and seems to be a very nice colt with a big future. I’d be very hopeful going into the Derby. It looks
like an open Derby at the moment, although it could look very different come the day.”
‘Smashing mare’ Kalpana to improve for Newbury run – Colin Keane
After a successful week at York, Keane was back aboard Kalapana as she won the Aston Park Stakes at Newbury. She was big in the parade ring beforehand and will come on plenty for that. When the gap arrived. I gave her a squeeze and she quickened up and went through it in a few strides.
It’s an exciting time for Keane, who is certainly not taking his new position for granted. “It’s a privilege to be in the position I’m in” said Keane.
To be wearing these silks and riding these lovely horses is brilliant. I get such a kick out of seeing a horse back up its pedigree, and that’s what they’re doing at the moment.