THE LAST of the Derby and Oaks trials have been run, and the two most prestigious races of the flat season are now only just over a week away. The Andre Fabre trained Visindar is the clear favourite for the colt’s Classic, following an impressive performance in Saint-Cloud.
The Sinndar offspring lengthened majestically when asked to go clear and has the best form on view. On the other hand, Epsom writes its own rules, and French horses do not have a good record on the undulating course. The fancied Sir Percy and Hala Bek have been the subject of some discouraging reports recently, and better value may be had with Aidan O’Brien’s Septimus, the eight lengths winner of the Dante Stakes at York last week.
If the rain continues producing soft ground on June 4, Short Skirt looks to be a ‘good thing’ for the fillies race. On firmer going Sir Michael Stout’s other entries, Sindirana, Riyalma and Scottish Stage, are preferred.
