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Angus McNae's Racing UK Blog |
| Saturday 4th June 2016 | |
Moonlight Magic can shine for Jim Bolger in Investec Derby
I hardly covered myself in glory by opposing Minding in the Investec Oaks yesterday but you have to say it as you see it and in this occasion I got it wrong. The Investec Derby hardly offers me much chance of redemption given its competitive nature, but I am going to have a crack anyway.
Immediately after the Dante at York I felt Wings of Desire had a big shot. He ran a decent timefigure and showed himself to be a rapidly improving colt.
I still think he will go well, but having reviewed the race a number of times I think he may lack a change of gear and that he may find himself outpaced at a vital stage of the race. He will probably make the frame, but for win purposes I prefer one of the Irish raiders, and he hails from the Jim Bolger yard.
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Moonlight Magic won the Derrinstown at Leopardstown in good style. This race has often been a good trial for the Derby and this imposing colt stamped his authority on a good field with ease.
He is by Cape Cross out of a Lammtarra mare which essentially means he will have no problem with a mile and a half and what's more he may well improve for it.
His trainer Jim Bolger is a magician when it comes to getting horses ready for big races and this horse surely represents decent each way value at around 10-1.
There are so many horses in the race who could be fancied and I would not be surprised if we had a big-priced winner. Let's just hope it's Moonlight Magic.
It has almost become obligatory that Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore win the opening contest on Derby Day. I think they will do so again with Poets World.
This lightly raced individual will take a fair bit of beating if he makes the expected progression from a bath maiden win. He looked very good that day and can make the step up into this competitive handicap with aplomb.
Everything that happens today will seem somewhat insignificant after the death of Muhammad Ali last night. He was my boyhood hero and an inspiration for millions. Rest in Peace.
Angus MacNae’s Saturday tips
2.00 Epsom: Poets World
4.30 Epsom: Moonlight Magic
