Derby Thread, the countdown is on.

[John Nolan]

Derby week, let's get some discussion going.
Is Fame and Glory Ballydoyle's Number 1?
Will Murtagh ride RVW, and will he stay?
Is Black Bear Island the joker in the pack? I backed him at York, he's tiny + had a hard race that day, will have proven to have left his race on the Knavesmire?
Can Sea the Stars step up from a mile and be a classy Derby winner?
Will they overwater the ground and end up with a bog?

[Gordon McIvor Wilson]

Going is crucial, I suppose, is there a standard 'going' that is aimed at with the watering programme? Scope for scullduggery here, one feels?

[John Nolan]

Presumably they will attempt to turn it into the usual bog on Friday in the never ending quest for "safe ground"?

[John Nolan]

Murtagh chooses RVW, as widely predicted.
This one didn't like the dip at Newmarket much, wonder how he'll enjoy the cambers of Epsom admist the hustle and bustle of Derby Day?

[Allan MacDonald]

Interesting that JM prefers to partner Rip. His (JM's) selection record this year leaves a little to be desired (witness Chester). Following its performances in the Irish trials one would have thought Fame & Glory led the Coolmore entries.

Rip Van Winkle, we are told, was not fully race fit for our 2K Guineas, having suffered a setback with a foot ailment. Regardless of this A O'B rarely winds his choice horses up for the first classics, preferring to run through the summer, the Arc and onto the Breeder's Cup ( getting your latest prized, classic stallion to perform well in front of a captive audience of breeders serves as good marketing - our 'blessed' American cousins rate such events over 'any old Brit classic', so I am reliably informed.

Coolmore aside, my one remaining pound will rest with John Oxx and his Guineas winner Sea The Stars. Bred in the purple and showing no signs of stamina failure in lifting our 'quaint' 2k Guineas, & assuming he handles the undulations of Epsom, they all have him to beat.

Oxx started the season with three strong Derby candidates Mouriyan (disappointing thus far), Arazan (yet to show his mettle) and Sea The Stars (with my pound on board).

Each way I may be forced to ask the 'strife' for 50p on Debussy - he will be fit, likes the track (has already won well on it this season & Towser's boy knows his onions.

Anyway, good luck to all of us and, had I twopenneth worth, the above would have been it

[Mick Stone]

Kite Wood looks big at 25/1 to me (even bigger at 34 on Betfair). He was reported to be in need of the run in the Dante and has worked encouragingly since. I think he's one who will appreciate the step up in trip and expect him to continue on an upward curve.

[John Nolan]

I find it difficult to imagine KW reversing form with many of them in front of him in the Derby, never mind having to beat them all - leaving aside the stat about Dante losers which surely has to be blown out of the water sometime. BBI being a son of High Chap should thoroughly appreciate the extra distance, and it seems Ballydoyle don't think he's their best - although things aren't always what they seem with that mob. Interesting race, for sure...

[John Nolan]

Ok, colours to the mast time.
Sea the Stars with a saver on BBI.

[john Tuohy]

I have not got a clue, but See The Stars seems to be a popular selection. Guineas winner with some stamina in pedigree.Sounds good. Will be first Derby winner to have won the guineas since Nashwan 20 years ago.

AP O'Brien has 6 out of 12 runners. Seems a bit daft to me. What is the point of having a race, if half the horses are trained by one trainer? "Ballydoyle Derby Trial"? I lke AP but I hope one of the other six wins the races.

Selection:- Sea the Stars.
Each Way:- Kite Wood,

Views/Comments Welcome.

[john Tuohy]

Flip-flopping favourites.

Fame and Glory going off 5-2 favourite at the moment.

On punter has just ad 100 grand on F and G at 11-4.

This could be a significant move, even in The Derby.

Surley someone is trying to sat this is AP's Number One.

9-4 F and G now.

If I was having a bet at this point, it would have to be Fame and Glory.

PP have 2 million liability on Sea the Stars.

Credit crunch? What credit crunch?

4 or 5 to go in.

Commentary in THe Chat room now.

[Allan MacDonald]

Fantastic victory for John Oxx & Mick K. Good to see them triumph over the Coolmore Hordes. Not sure if the Irish Derby will suit as he may not like too much cut in the ground. Any thoughts?

This meeting and Musselburgh & Donc. today have also shown Mark Johnston hitting form - just in time for Royal Ascot ( unusually for him he had no winners there last year). Prior to then it is worth backing his unraced three year olds first time out.

[John Nolan]

I think we have also seen the Arc winner today.

[john Tuohy]

Ground Permitting?