Classy Cliffs to fly at Epsom
CLIFFS OF MOHER (Epsom, 4.30) is named in honour of one of Ireland’s most picturesque natural wonders and the equine version could be poised to deliver a performance of beauty in this afternoon’s Investec Derby.
The presence of six runners representing Ballydoyle in today’s feature suggests trainer Aidan O’Brien may not perceive the son of Galileo to be a definitive No1 pick, but Ryan Moore was keen to maintain the association and that could be a steer in itself.
A 19-runner Derby around Epsom’s unique undulations and cambers makes this year’s renewal a hair-raising experience, but Cliffs of Moher will have learned a lot from his Chester expedition last time and I was left with the impression his trainer only just had him fit enough to run that day.
The son of Galileo stepped forward enormously for his subdued debut as a juvenile last October, routing stablemate Order oft he garter by five lengths at Leopardstown a fortnight later to head into the winter as a potential Derby contender.
His speed at Leopardstown was one of the quickest recorded for a juvenile in recent seasons and the lofty rating led some to question if Cliffs of Moher possessed the required stamina to win a Derby given he appeared to boast so much latent speed.
However, his sire Galileo has produced three winners of today’s great race in New Approach, Ruler Of The World and Australia and there is plenty of stamina on the female side of the pedigree.
In truth, the selection took a while to wind up at Chester, which suggests the step up in trip today holds no huge concerns and he looks nicely drawn to try to deliver O’Brien a sixth winner in the race.
In a big field, there are clearly a host of dangers in the market, not least Cracksman, who represents yesterday’s Investec Oaks winning duo, John Gosden and Frankie Dettori, and will surely be vying for favouritism.
Although the son of Frankel looked as if he needed all of the 10 furlongs when successful on his reappearance at today’s venue, his breeding suggests another couple of furlongs at championship pace may find him out and I prefer the tough Permian to make a telling impact.
Permian was collared by Cracksman when they met in April but has since improved beyond all recognition with a commanding Listed-race success at Newmarket prior to a game defeat of Benbatl in the Dante at York. Double-figure quotes for a thriving stayer with a superb will to win look a shade generous.
Venice Beach may need motivating but he does stay well and his confirmed stamina and ability to handle an easy surface will be well served if further showers hit the track.