Desert Crown makes it six of the best
Gary McKenzie salutes Sir Michael Stoute and laments on what might have been in the Derby
Sir Michael Stoute has been one of the most successful trainers of the last forty years but recently he has not quite reached the heights of his peak years, relatively speaking.
But Desert Crown has given him his sixth Derby win (pictured), his first Classic winner since 2010.
The son of Nathaniel won in impressive style and gave jockey Richard Kingscote his first win in the race.
As it was just his third run the colt could well improve markedly on that run. As ever the form cannot be guaranteed to stand up but the winner looks a decent winner at least.
The price of the runner up Hoo Ya Mal will give many cause to crab the form but that horse has run fairly well in defeat against some top horses.
Obviously there are greater tests ahead for Desert Crown, and I would not be rushing to back him at 9/4 for the Arc. He may take on Hurricane Lane and Adayar in the King George next month.
Established
If he can beat those established stars then he deserves to be feared by all. And as I said he should have improvement in him.
This season could see some epic clashes.
On a personal note I have to be happy with the run of Westover. He may well have finished second but for being blocked at a crucial stage. The fact Lady Helen backed the winner, and we always do a forecast in these big races, meant the interference cost us a dividend.
