"I wouldn't be surprised to see further progress from him this season, and an entry in the Group 3 Sapphire Stakes suggests that the shrewd Yorkshire handler thinks the same. With an excellent draw, an ideal stalking run-style and a jockey riding with renewed confidence, everything looks in place for a huge run from Long Awaited."
It's Derby day, and Rory Delargy has several fancies on the Epsom card.
David Barron did this column a favour when winning the Zetland Gold Cup during the week, and he's taken to repeat that feat courtesy of Long Awaited in the Investec Dash at Epsom today (15:15). The gelding has improved significantly since joining Barron from Roger Varian, and while he was well held after being hampered in this race last season, that disappointment was forgotten when he won over C&D later in the summer, and he showed further improvement when placed in contrasting ground conditions at Haydock on his final 2 starts last season.
I wouldn't be surprised to see further progress from him this season, and an entry in the Group 3 Sapphire Stakes suggests that the shrewd Yorkshire handler thinks the same. With an excellent draw, an ideal stalking run-style and a jockey riding with renewed confidence, everything looks in place for a huge run from Long Awaited, granted that little bit of luck in running which is crucial in such races.
Most of the fancied horses are drawn high, and that's where the race should develop, but there's a chance that congestion will result from such a scenario, and if there's one horse I'd want to save on, it would be Judge 'n Jury. Ron Harris' gelding checked out very tamely at York last time, which may be indicative of a problem, and makes him a risky proposition, but he has the speed to lead in the early stages, and if back in the groove would be capable of going close. At odds around 30, he's worth a tickle, and should at least trade short after a couple of furlongs, even if he does fold like he did on the Knavesmire.
However Thomas Brown fares on Judge 'n Jury, he looks to have a decent chance in the 6f handicap at 17:25, for which Robert Cowell's Compton looks to have been laid out. In need of his return at Newbury, he showed up much better at York last time, while still fading late as if short of peak fitness. Likely to be cherry-ripe now, he has the requisite low draw to take a good position, and can make it third time lucky for his new yard. He's just 3 lb above his last winning mark, and Brown looks exceptional value for his 5 lb claims.
Recommendations:
All at Epsom
Back Long Awaited @ 7.613/2 in the 15:15 (NAP)
Back Judge 'n Jury @ 28.027/1 in the 15:15 (Lay stake back at 10.0)
Back Compton @ 10.09/1 in the 17:25 (NB)
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