Epsom Derby
In South Africa there was a horse that was known as the “galloping goldmine”, her name Empress Club. She won 15 of 20 races, including eight Gr1’s and was a five-time South African champion. Perhaps we might see the TK version, go to the same heights.
The current – and deserving – race favourite is the Dixon Racing trained Empress Club, a three year who has enjoyed a near perfect prep. This race has been her target and there are many people in the know who suggest that this magnificent physical specimen will produce the goods.
Tazdevil’s ace Storm Cat takes his place in this line up. He was super impressive in the heat, beating the world record held by Tripp Leilani. The son of Reds Itachi Uchiha is a dangerous sort if he is allowed to dictate.
Nanana is a game galloper and always produces an honest effort. Atibaia has some scope and she could be good enough to hold her own in this field and earn a place cheque.
Gran Munich visitor Masai Water has been thereabouts, lacks experience over the distance and ground, but will enjoy the trip. Lefty’s was a very smart winner of a short world cup not long ago. Some may argue it was an opportunistic win but the son of Saintly could well confirm his class here and earn another cheque.
It’s always nice to see new stables enter cups. Michael Hung and Maple Hill Farm sends Navajo and Matilda respectively to the track, and they will gain valuable experience from the outing.
| # | Form | Horse | Stable | Jockey | Final Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Empress Club | Dixon Racing | Reyes Firkey | N/A |
| 2 | 1,1 | Storm Cat | Tazdevil | Cordell Batimon | N/A |
| 3 | 11,4,5 | Nanana | Heathfield Turf | !Tayna Ducker! | N/A |
| 4 | 1,4,4 | Atibaia | Hound Ridge | !Harland Deeley! | N/A |
| 5 | 7,8,6 | Masai Water | Orange Star | Cuc Overpeck | N/A |
| 6 | 2,1,5,9,3 | Lefty’s | cdownlinks | Kiera Puthiyamadam | N/A |
| 7 | 4,2,1,6 | Navajo | Michael Hung | Ellen Storino(A) | N/A |
| 8 | 7,14,1,1,6 | Matilda | Maple Mill Farm | Jaime Berisford | N/A |
Pre-race comments from:
Dixon Racing – “Empress Club is an imposing 19.1 hand monster of a horse and really cruised home in the heat, I expect her to go close in the final but she is definitely no certainty – Tazdevil’s Storm Cat was very impressive in the other heat setting a new race record, his Natural Champion style will be in his favour as they gallop into the final quarter and it will take a special effort to beat him. Of the others, while nothing really stood out in the heats, their trainers may be saving their best efforts for Saturday’s race and a surprise is always possible.”
Tazdevil – “Storm Cat is maybe the best chance I’ve had of placing in a WC he can win but when your racing the master Dixon Racing you know all the cards have to fall right I’ve done all I can hope RI do the horse justice.”
Hound Ridge – “A 19.2 hands tall horse out of Karaka Starz, this filly will be tested in this field and is looking to pick up experience over the distance. The going should suit and a top 5 finish would be the target.”
cdownlinks – “I think Dixon Racing is going to win, if I place I would jump for joy. Low xp will be my down fall.”
Heathfield Turf – “”Can’t see past Empress, she’s the class horse with a top jockey.. (and the stable’s not too shabby either..)
Storm Cat and Lefty’s will be up there and if we see any money, I’ll be over the moon !!! Happy racing all “