EPSOM Derby 2010
In 1779, Epsom Derby one of today's greatest sporting event was established. The Derby Stakes, internationally known as the Epsom Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain. It is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards (2,423 meters). It is held in early June every year. It is Britain's richest horse race, and the most prestigious of the country's five Classics. It is sometimes referred to as the Blue Riband of the turf. The race is named after the Earl of Derby who won the honour on the flip of a coin with Sir Charles Banbury.
The Epsom Derby is an annual sporting highlight of the English summer and this year it will take place on June 5, 2010. There are Trial Races for the Epsom Derby which is held during the months of April and May. The contenders from those trial races are then likely to run in the Epsom Derby.
This year after the latest forfeit stage of the Trial Races, 15 colts remain in the Epsom Derby and six of those are trained by Aidan O'Brien the famous trainer all over the world. Now we will have a look at those Contenders for Epsom Derby who are being trained by Aidan O’Brien.
The names of the horses are Jan Vermeer, St. Nicholas Abbey, Workforce, Cape Blanco, Bullet Train, Midas Touch, Rewilding and Azmeel.
Aidan O’Brien is an Irish Horse racing trainer. Since 1996, he has been training the horses at Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel, Ireland. His major wins include the Canadian International, 1,000 and 2,000 guineas in different years, Ascot Gold Cup, Derby Stakes, Oaks, Coronation Cup, Grand prix de Paris, Prix Ganay, Prix Lupin, Prix Morny, Prix Royal Oak, Irish Champion Stakes, Irish Derby, Irish Oaks and few more.
Let us have a look at the horses which are being prepared and trained by this great Trainer Aidan O’Brien.
Jan Vermeer emerged as serious Derby candidate when making every yard of the running in the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud. His trainer is Aidan O'Brien. One sponsor of this race said that ‘As far as Aidan O’Brien’s runners are concerned, there’s only one horse that punters are interested in and that’s Jan Vermeer.’ O'Brien also considers Jan Vermeer ‘his best chance of victory.’
St. Nicholas Abbey made an impressive success in the Racing Post trophy, and became the winter favourite for the Derby. And he remains to be a good pointer for Epsom. Few of the fans said about him, ‘He is the best two-year-old of the year so far, and he looks a very smart prospect for the Derby.’
Cape Blanco looked good when winning at York, coping well with the ground that was faster than ideal. However, the form of that race is unquestionable. Still there are chances of him winning the Derby.
Midas touch was impressive when winning the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial against four modest rivals. However, he has twice been beaten by Jan Vermeer and may not be quite good enough for the Epsom Derby.
Some other contenders for the Epsom Derby are Bullet Train, Rewilding and Azmeel.
Bullet Train has been trained by Henry Cecil. He routed his rivals in the Lingfield Derby Trial, although his task was made easier by the poor run of the Desert Myth. He has worked well since then. He could be a popular winner for his trainer but more improvement is needed.
Rewilding has been trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni. After winning the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood, was supplemented at a cost of £75,000, he handled the courses well and showed a useful turn of foot in the process. Much more will be required to win this Derby but with a pedigree that contains three Group 1 winners most notably Dar Re Mi, there is no doubt he's bred for the job.
Azmeel has been trained by John Gosden. Nothing was in favour for him in the Dee Stakes at Chester but he still won nicely in the end and he looks certain to stay in the Epsom Derby.
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