Rain means it’s all go for Algometer
NEWMARKET trainer David Simcock last night confirmed Algometer will run in Saturday’s Investec Derby after owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing gave the green light for her colt to start.
Simcock had been wary of risking Algometer on ground any worse than good but the rain at Epsom so far this week should ensure perfect conditions.
Algometer, who finished second to Midterm in the Sandown Trial before winning the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood, was one of the best-backed Derby entries yesterday with Coral clipping his odds to 16-1.
The mount of Jim Crowley has been left in Sunday’s French Derby but Simcock (below) said Algometer will not be crossing the Channel.
The trainer added: ‘Kirsten is keen to run. We just didn’t want to go there on fast ground. He is a horse which is improving with racing. He will get a mile-and-a-half well.
‘Whether his acceleration is as quick as some of the others I don’t know but he will be staying on strongly at the finish.’
The Simcock stable suffered a blow yesterday when The Corsican, who was entered in Saturday’s Coronation Cup, was put down after a gallops accident. The Corsican’ s younger brother, Aidan O’Brientrained Deauville, runs in the Derby after his second in the Dante Stakes at York and will be ridden by Jamie Spencer.
O’Brien has confirmed his other Derby riding plans and, as expected, Ryan Moore is on No 1 hope US Army Ranger. The trainer’s son Donnacha will have his first Derby mount on Shogun while his other bookings are Idaho (Seamus Heffernan) and Port Douglas (Colm O’Donoghue).
O’Brien-trained odds- on favourite Minding, recovered from the minor injury she sustained when second in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, heads nine entries for tomorrow’s Oaks.
O’Brien is also represented by Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Seventh Heaven and Cheshire Oaks winner
Somehow.
THE British Horseracing Authority have appointed Ian Hill QC to review the disciplinary cases which involved solicitor Matthew Lohn since October 2013, when Lohn’s firm started being paid for work by racing’s ruling body. It is understood up to 16 cases may have to be reviewed.