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Jordan Yates' Derby Preview

4.30 - Investec Derby (Class 1) (Group 1) (1m 4f)

One of the biggest races in the world takes place this Saturday at Epsom and of course its none other than the Derby itself. A Group 1 contest that's ridden over a mile and four furlongs and I can't wait to get stuck into it.

It see's a very hot favourite heading affairs in the form of the very impressive Saxon Warrior for Aiden O'Brien and Ryan Moore who's trading at a shade of odds on at a general 10/11. He's clearly a worthy favourite coming here on the back of an impressive win in the 2000 Guineas as well as the Racing Post Trophy at the back end of last term. He's obviously the most likely winner but do I wan't to be getting involved with an odds on shot in the Derby? Not really. There's a whole host of other contenders here of which you could make a firm case for, Roaring Lion comes here after bouncing back in quite devastating style in the Dante last time at York when absolutely bolting clear of his rivals, he's the ride of Oisin Murphy and can be found trading at a general 9/1 chance.

Frankie Dettori's ride in this year's renewal comes in the form of the Aga Khans Hazapour for the maestro that is Dermot Weld. Hazapour was last seen when springing somewhat of a surprise the last day in a Group 3 Derby Trial at Leopardstown when he beat the O'Brien duo of Delano Roosevelt and The Pentagon who he re opposes again here, he can be found at a general 11/1 chance for connections that won this only two years ago in 2016 with Harzand.

Knight To Behold is an intriguing contender to say the least for Harry Dunlop, he beat Kew Gardens in a Derby Trial at Lingfield the last day and did it rather comfortably. He does need to settle better in his races but if he does that and steps up again he's certainly a live contender. Mark Johnston is represented by Dee Ex Bee who's a very smart performer on his day and has put in two solid runs this season at Newmarket and Chester respectively. He's around about the 22/1 mark and has the champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa on board.

I'll be taking a chance on two here though and the first of these comes in the form of YOUNG RASCAL for William Haggas and James Doyle. I've been very impressed with this horse so far this season and was at Chester the last day when he overcame a lot of trouble in the straight to win well. He's trading at a general 8/1 and I think there's still a lot more to come from this exciting prospect.

The other one I quite like here at a bigger price is SEVANNA STAR for John Gosden. He had a breathing operation throughout the summer and has come back this term looking better than ever winning at Windsor then following up in a Group 3 at Sandown. He does have a bit to find on some of these but the ground won't be a problem for him as it may for others and he could just be worth chancing at 25/1.

Young Rascal - (8/1) (E/W) (Jockey: J Doyle - Trainer: W J Haggas)

Sevanna Star - (25/1) (E/W) (Jockey: R Havlin - Trainer: J H M Gosden)

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