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Howellsy
14 Apr 11 10:27
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Date Joined: 17 Mar 03
| Topic/replies: 1,146 | Blogger: Howellsy's blog
The only classic clue from the first day of the Craven meeting came when Rerouted ran a fine race in the free handicap. This horse was beaten almost 7 lengths by Roderic O'Connor in the Criterium.
There's a load of talk about possible unexposed horses for the Derby but most Derbies are won by horses who showed plenty at 2.
I don't say Roderic O'Connor can beat Frankel if both stay the Derby trip equally well, but there have to be doubts about the latter's participation, and I can't see anything else that deserves to be within a country mile of these 2 in the betting, admittedly with the trials yet to be run.

Roderic O'Connor did very well to run second in the Dewhurst in a good time, on only his 3rd start after several months off course.
he ran an outstanding race in France next, up with s strong pace throughout and running on so powerfully that despite hanging left he still had the resources left to win. The horse who came second came from the rear that day, and nothing else that was close to the pace finished within 6 lengths.
Roderic O'Connor's pedigree is inconclusive regarding his stamina: his dam showed her best form over 7f but stayed a mile reasonably well. I don't see this as a problem for the colt - Galileo's class and stamina allied to a miler's speed should be more than enough for a Derby colt.

Indeed, this is where I feel he has a distinct advantage over Ballydoyle's challengers in past years: he can be ridden handily and will not be dependent on the furious pace that so often hasn't materialised. I can see him being able to track the pacemaker/s and kick for home 3 out.
Of course, he is being touted as their Guineas hope, and that is a worry, as I feel he will lack the speed to win that race, and I'd prefer him to run unpenalised in the Dante, going to Epsom with a couple of consecutive wins to his name.

Look no further for the Derby value, and, barring another once-in-a-generation colt in Frankel, or something exceptional from Stoute, the Derby winner.
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Report Sankara April 14, 2011 10:44 AM BST
Far too early to say nothing else will emerge as a Derby contender - plenty could and will over the next few weeks. But I agree he looks a better Derby candidate than most of the slowboats O'Brien sends over these days and is fair value on here.
Report rubyisgodinthesaddle April 15, 2011 11:04 PM BST
I can see a campaign marked out already....maybe go for dual Guineas then on to Ascot and maybe take goodwood and the season falls apart at the end because been raced hard. Be surprised they be looking at Epsom. Coolmore may be looking to get a more sexy Galileo hence they sold Cape Blanco and this lad could be it(speed wise)
Report duncan idaho April 16, 2011 9:47 AM BST
Rip Van Winkle not sexy enough?
Report rubyisgodinthesaddle April 16, 2011 10:10 AM BST
Need as many top class sons of galileo's they can.....rather use ROC than RVW considering all the injuries RVW has had
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