Constitution River, ridden by Ryan Moore, delivered an emphatic seven-length victory in the Dee Stakes at Chester, cementing his status as a leading Derby contender. The performance, backed by a strong timefigure, showcased tactical speed, balance, and a powerful finishing kick. However, Aidan O'Brien's colt may bypass Epsom for the French Derby over 10 furlongs on 31 May, with an entry at Royal Ascot over a mile also hinting at stamina concerns.
Derby Contenders
1. Constitution River
Timeform rating: 124p. Derby odds: 6-1. Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Pedigree: Wootton Bassett x Chuppy (Le Havre). The standout performance of the trials season, but stamina doubts persist.
2. Benvenuto Cellini
Timeform: 118p. Odds: 5-2. Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Pedigree: Frankel x Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega). Impressive winner of the Chester Vase, ticking all boxes on pedigree and stamina. Could be O'Brien's main Derby hope if Constitution River goes to France.
3. Item
Timeform: 117p. Odds: 6-1. Trainer: Andrew Balding. Pedigree: Frankel x Capla Temptress (Lope De Vega). Unbeaten in three starts after a two-and-three-quarter length win in the Dante Stakes at York. Inexperience at Epsom is a slight concern.
4. Maltese Cross
Timeform: 116p. Odds: 10-1. Trainer: William Haggas. Pedigree: Sea The Stars x Nabatea (Camelot). Won the Lingfield trial by a neck, handling the downhill run well. Valuable experience for Epsom.
5. Bay Of Brilliance
Timeform: 116p. Odds: 20-1. Trainer: Ralph Beckett. Pedigree: New Bay x Incroyable (Singspiel). Close second in the Lingfield trial, with similar chances to Maltese Cross but lacking the winner's determination.
6. James J Braddock
Timeform: 111p. Odds: 16-1. Trainer: Joseph O'Brien. Pedigree: Zarak x Burkina Faso (Mukhadram). Won the Leopardstown trial by a short head. Needs significant improvement to feature in the Derby.
7. Pierre Bonnard
Timeform: 111p. Odds: 16-1. Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Pedigree: Camelot x Sultanina (New Approach). Defeated in two spring trials after a Group One win in France. Likely to improve for the Derby trip.
Oaks Contenders
1. Legacy Link
Timeform: 110p. Odds: 5-1. Trainer: John Gosden. Pedigree: Dubawi x Chiasma (Galileo). Full sister to Frankel, won the Musidora Stakes with a strong attitude. Clear best among home-trained fillies.
2. Amelia Earhart
Timeform: 112p. Odds: 5-2. Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Pedigree: Camelot x Venus De Milo (Duke Of Marmalade). Won the Cheshire Oaks with a fine turn of foot. Odds are short against less-exposed rivals.
3. Abashiri
Timeform: 106p. Odds: 14-1. Trainer: Charlie Appleby. Pedigree: Frankel x Sobetsu (Dubawi). Fifth in the 1,000 Guineas, with scope for improvement over longer distances.
4. Venetian Lace
Timeform: 111p. Odds: 12-1. Trainer: Charlie Johnston. Pedigree: Masar x Nash Nasha (Dubawi). Third in the 1,000 Guineas, promises to improve over further. Experience at Epsom is a plus.
5. Cameo
Timeform: 106p. Odds: 16-1. Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Pedigree: Wootton Bassett x Zagitova (Galileo). Won the Lingfield trial impressively. Likely second-string but capable of a Classic win.
Other Races
Sahlan (2.35) is an interesting each-way shot for the Group One Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. The lightly raced four-year-old won the Prix du Moulin last season and was fifth in the Breeders' Cup Mile. At 10-1, he could reverse form with Notable Speech.
At Newbury, Kalapana (1.25) faces a Group One penalty, while West Wind Blows could exploit an easy lead. Twisting Physics (1.42) at Newmarket showed promise at Newbury. Sacred Ground (2.00) should be shorter than 3-1 after a good second. Silver Ghost (2.50) could win for Emma Lavelle. Royal Fixation (3.10) escapes a penalty and looks the one to beat. Sixtygeesbaby (3.27) is handicapped to go close off a 3lb lower mark. Al Azd (3.45) overcame trouble to win at Doncaster and is a marginal preference.
