Westover On Track For Derby But Eydon Not A Certain Starter

Ralph Becket is a man who knows a thing or two about Epsom glory, given he trained Look Here (GB) (Hernando {GB}) and Talent (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) to win the Oaks, and he will be bidding to make the Cazoo Derby breakthrough with Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who was reported to have had a positive experience at the track on Monday. 

Meanwhile, Roger Varian revealed that 2000 Guineas fourth Eydon (Ire) (Olden Times {GB}) was not a certain starter in the Derby, despite the fact the trainer was impressed with the colt's exercise at the same gallops morning.

Westover, winner of the G3 Classic Trial at Sandown last month, is a general 16-1 chance to win the Derby, with Beckett providing an upbeat bulletin on the colt after he breezed around Epsom. 

Beckett said, “He got his act together and came down the hill and round the bend as well as we wanted him to and he galloped out strong as well. I thought it was good work. It was all positive as these things can go the wrong way as well.

“They went a nice gallop and he finished well. I'm not sure he is that bothered about the ground. I thought he would handle it when he ran on slow ground in the Silver Tankard at Pontefract and he did and I think fast ground is no problem for him either.”

He added: “It doesn't look like the trip will be an issue. There was a bit of a question mark over his full brother Fabilis (GB). There was a bit of debate if he would get a mile and half and he looked really good the only time we ran him over a mile and a half, but he got sold straight after it so I've no doubts he will get it.

“His trial was a long time ago but I didn't really see any benefit of running him again. I thought the benefit would be from running him here. The benefit was in an away day and not another run.”

A late decision will be made on Eydon's Derby participation, according to Varian, who suggested the Prix du Jockey Club was also firmly in the mix for the colt. 

Varian said, “David (Egan) was very upbeat and happy with the feel he got from the horse and how he handled the undulations.

“He switched leads at the right times and what we wanted to achieve today I think that box has been ticked and he looks in good order to me. 

“He is still in the Prix du Jockey Club and is not a guaranteed Epsom starter. He could take in either and he will be left in both races and likely it could be a late call, so for punters that is worth noting.”

He added, “Prince Faisal (owner) will ultimately decide but we will digest what the horse has done this morning and see how he comes out of his work. It is a lovely position to be in as he is in both races. He gets trained for the same weekend so we don't have to alter the training regime, and it affords us the luxury we can make the late call.”