Chester and Derby Trials updates…

Over the next two weeks all eyes will be focused on the trials for the Epsom classic’s and it is normally a period of time when Ballydoyle sharpens up its act in the UK with the horses from the yard farming a majority of the major trial events.

True Love’s victory in the 1000 Guineas indicated that a similar story maybe on the cards but on Monday the run of the very highly rated 3yo Drop Dead Gorgeous on her seasonal debut at the Curragh did leave the impression that even O’Brien’s top ranked 3yo’s are ‘needing the run’.

We have taken a punt on this being the case backing Morshdi EW at 4/1 a 1/4 odds 1-2 the place in Thursdays Dee stakes and I recommend a similar strategy with Maltese Cross in the Lingfield Derby Trial on Saturday with 5/1 1/5th odds and 1-2-3 places available.

The Dee stakes has cut up to just six runners on ratings only the favourite Constitution River 112 compares to Morshdi on 111. The other four comprise Aiden O’Brien’s second string Flushing Meadow who has ran very poorly on his last two starts including when beaten 6L at 30/100 on and by over 8L – 8th of 11 on his seasonal reappearance.

Of the other three – two from Karl Burkes including Shayem who was beaten 6 lengths by Morshdi at Newmarket and one from Andrew Balding’s were all priced up 14/1 or bigger in the early markets. There is doubt we have got the value and if Constitution River does need the race – we should collect.

The Lingfield Derby trial on Saturday has a very similiar look and feel to the Dee Stakes. There are 11 entered and with Good to Firm ground forecast I suspect less than 6 will go to post. Of those that head the market at odds of 10/1 or less Mayo Bay from the out of form Charlie Appleby team was put in at 2/1 but is out to 3/1 Aiden O’ Brien has 3 of the next 4 Italy, Action and Isaac Newton and the other is the Ralph Beckett trained Bay Brilliant

Maltese Cross has come out of the Newbury race really well, after which William Haggas said fast ground and a sharp undulating track would be ideal for the son of Sea the Stars. He is certain to get the trip and that 5/1 with Corals (1-2-3 places) is well worth an interest.

I have had 1pt EW but may well top up with additional win stakes after the declarations on Thursday.

No runners on Wednesday but will update again after 10.00 am Thursday with news for Friday and Saturday.

Morshdi and Maltese Cross to enhance Derby claims.