The 2022 flat season is well underway and full steam ahead for next month’s Epsom Classics, the Cazoo Derby and Cazoo Oaks.
Market drivers are growing as the main classic trials take place in Britain and Ireland, but big race contenders can come from anywhere and it’s easy to miss a potential dark horse. Classic Clues has you covered.
Here’s a recap of Friday’s news and its impact on classic betting, as we mark your card with some key names to note on Saturday.
Friday roundup: Nations Pride receives support after Appleby announcement
Nations Pride have been ranked third favorite for the Cazoo Derby by several bookmakers after Charlie Appleby confirmed the colt would be completed for the Epsom Classic on Monday.
The Godolphin-owned runner is a 6-1 shot with Ladbrokes and as short as 9-2 (from 7) with Sky Bet, having been cut 7-1 following the coach’s announcement.
Appleby is aiming for a third Derby success after striking in 2018 with Masar and winning the contest last year with Adayar.
Godolphin will be represented this year by Nations Pride, Walk Of Stars and Nahanni, as Appleby aims for a second success at the British Classic this season.
Desert Crown remains favorite for the June 4 race and continues to receive support following its positive work at Newmarket earlier this week.
Ladbrokes’ Nicola McGeady said: “We held Desert Crown in price for as long as we could yesterday but his gallop at Newmarket really sparked excitement and punters couldn’t resist, forcing us to cut his chances at the top of the market.
“It’s been a busy morning in general, with Nations Pride also strengthening in the Derby with their place now confirmed.”
Market Movers
Cazoo Oaks
With the moonlight 8-1 (from 9)
vega moon 28-1 (from 33)
Cazoo Derby
The west wind blows 22-1 (from 33)
Sonny Liston 33-1 (from 50)
What they say
Charlie Appleby, Nations Pride Coach
He has the right profile for Epsom. He has five races to his name, winning the Jumeirah Derby and then winning the Newmarket Stakes, where William [Buick] was very happy with the way he crossed the line.
It gave us as good an indication as any that the mile and a half pass is going to be fine for him and we think he is worth completing.
All eyes glued. . . Oaks loses stage
The field for Friday’s Cazoo Oaks will begin to take shape as the six-day forfeit stage approaches for the June 3 race.
Ante-post favorite Emily Upjohn has been leading the charge for some time and the Musidora Stakes winner will be looking to maintain her unbeaten record for John and Thady Gosden.
The pair hold a strong hand in the Epsom race as Emily Upjohn’s stable mate Nashwa, who won a trial at Newbury last time out, is second favorite.
Aidan O’Brien has three main contenders for the Oaks with Concert Hall, Tuesday and Thoughts Of June looking to offer Coach Ballydoyle a tenth success in the race.
What do the markets look like? . .
Cazoo Oaks (4:30 Epsom, June 3)
Sky Bet: 10-11 Emily Upjohn, 4 Nashwa, 6 Concert Hall, 8 Tuesday, 9 With The Moonlight, 16 Tranquil Lady, Thoughts Of June, 28 bar
Cazoo Derby (4:30 Epsom, June 4)
Power of rice: 15-8 Desert Crown, 3 Stone Age, 7 Nations Pride, Piz Badile, Changing of the Guard, 12 Star Of India, United Nations, 16 Walk Of Stars, Westover, Eydon, 20 bar
Then read them
Charlie Appleby confirms Nations Pride will be completed for the Cazoo Derby
How the Queen gifted the beers to Peter Chapple-Hyam after Derby glory
“Your whole year is built around it – it helps you get through the bad days”
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FIRST PUBLISHED AT 7:00 AM, MAY 28, 2022
