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Derby/Oaks selections 2014

Many are in with a chance in both these prestigious races and once again I will try to unravel this enigma of a race. The Epsom idiosyncratic track will test the nerve, bravery and sinew of these three year olds. I simply can't wait to be there! Below I have put cases forward for my Oaks and Derby selections. I have a feeling the ground will be riding on the easy side of good and all three have a chance with that in mind.


The Oaks
Starting with the fillies I've been thoroughly impressed by Madame Chiang, if she can get her toe into the ground I'm certain she'll be well in with a chance here. The Musidora Stakes was won in style by this unbeaten three year old. She first set foot on a racecourse at Yarmouth in a maiden last October and looked a classy individual when hosing up by 4 lengths on a soft going. Homebred by Kirsten Rausing, she is a half sister to two winners out of the winning Robellino mare Robe Chinoise. Furthermore, this is the first group winner and second stakes winner for the sire Archipenko. Now into his second season as a sire he has had six winners form 19 runners. This filly will be my each way selection if the ground has cut as I believe she will handle the track, will stay the trip and looks thoroughly progressive.


Taghrooda the current antepost favourite has a huge amount of talent. A family link can be made here with my current derby fancy but more on that later. Taghrooda is the second foal of a mile and a quarter/half listed winner who was out of an unraced half sister to the dam of Irish Oaks winner Ebadiyla also Ascot Gold cup winner Estimate and Enzeli. With that in mind stamina is quite clearly unquestionable. By Sea the Stars and illustrating in both her starts the class she possesses. Yes, she hasn't beaten much but the step up to 1m 2f in the Pretty Polly Stakes winning by six lengths and running on strongly suggests that we have more to come from this filly.


The Derby
Ebanoran by Oasis Dream out of Ebadiyla looks a very progressive type and may indeed be under the radar somewhat. Trained by John Oxx and owned by H H Aga Khan is a progressive type who has stamina on his side. Being a three parts brother to a Hong Kong group 3 winner Eyshal and being out of a half sister to Ascot Gold cup winner Estimate (which relates closely to Taghrooda mentioned above). His dad  has the speed angle, he won the Middle Park, July Cup and the Nunthorpe and since 2004 has been producing some excellent group horses. One such filly was Midday who really was a versatile and class filly winning over a variety of trips. Finally, John Oxx the trainer states that to win a derby you need a mixture of speed and stamina, if anyone knows...he knows alright.











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