The Queen will be without a runner at Epsom on Derby day after her final horse was not declared.
Just Fine had been due to contest the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap at the prestigious fixture. The gelding’s trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has the favourite for the feature Cazoo Derby (4.30pm).
The big race is the only Flat Classic the Queen has not won as an owner – and this year’s candidate Reach For The Moon was pulled out at an early stage.
Stoute holds the key to the race with Desert Crown, a colt unbeaten in two starts on the track to date. Bookmakers Betfred are offering odds of 15-8 that the impressive Dante Stakes scorer can give his handler a sixth Derby success.
It is his tried and tested route, as his former winners Shahrastani (1986), North Light (2004) and Workforce (2010) all warmed up for the Classic heroics on the Knavesmire.
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Runners and race-by-race tips for Derby day at Epsom
2.00 – Cazoo Handicap 1m 2f 17y
1 (3) Oneforthegutter 3 9 9 Tracey Bell & Caroline Lyons Ian Williams Richard Kingscote
2 (8) Sweeping p 3 9 5 Ben & Sir Martyn Arbib Archie Watson Hollie Doyle
3 (6) Approachability 3 9 3 Brian Yeardley & Partner Charlie & Mark Johnston Jason Hart
4 (5) Blue Trail (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby William Buick
5 (15) Grenoble p 3 9 1 Newsells Park Stud William Haggas Tom Marquand
6 (1) Oh Herberts Reign (IRE) 3 9 0 Team Wallop Richard Hannon James Doyle
7 (10) War Horse (IRE) p 3 8 10 The Honorable Earle I. Mack Marco Botti Andrea Atzeni
8 (11) Taj Alola (IRE) v 3 8 8 Mr Faihan Faisal Almandeel K. R. Burke David Egan
9 (13) Mr Big Stuff 3 8 5 Phil Cunningham Richard Spencer Tyler Heard (5)
10 (2) Box To Box (IRE) 3 8 4 The Running Order Partnership Hugo Palmer Harry Davies (5)
11 (14) Stevenson 3 8 3 Hunscote Stud Limited Mick Channon John Egan
12 (4) Nolton Cross (IRE) 3 8 3 Middleham Park Racing XCII Hugo Palmer Silvestre De Sousa
13 (7) Sharp Combo (IRE) 3 8 2 Kingsley Park 26 Charlie & Mark Johnston Franny Norton
14 (12) Swilcan Bridge 3 8 2 Mick and Janice Mariscotti Andrew Balding Hayley Turner
15 (9) Hul Ah Bah Loo (IRE) 3 8 2 Mr Mark McAllister Simon Dow Aidan Keeley (7)
VERDICT: MR BIG STUFF remains unexposed as a handicapper and he has what it takes to land the Derby day opener. A good second on debut for the season, he was a creditable fifth in the London Gold Cup, which often produces a nice prospect for the future. Bay Bridge, now a Group 3 winner, is the latest example – and Jamie Spencer is an excellent jockey booking for the selection. War Horse remains on a nice mark and should get in the shake-up, while possible pacesetter Nolton Cross is one for each-way backers.
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2.35 – Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored By Cazoo) (Group 3) 1m 113y
1 (2) Bashkirova 4 9 8 Cheveley Park Stud William Haggas Tom Marquand
2 (1) Miss Marble 4 9 8 Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum Simon & Ed Crisford Silvestre De Sousa
3 (6) Mrs Fitzherbert (IRE) 4 9 8 Sonia M. Rogers & Anthony Rogers Hughie Morrison George Rooke
4 (9) Potapova 4 9 8 Cheveley Park Stud Sir Michael Stoute Ryan Moore
5 (4) Roman Mist (IRE) 4 9 8 Hot To Trot Racing 1 Roman Mist Tom Ward Richard Kingscote
6 (8) Statement (IRE) 4 9 8 Mrs R G Hillen and Partner Kevin Ryan Kevin Stott
7 (7) Technique 4 9 8 Mantonbury Stud Freddie & Martyn Meade Rob Hornby
8 (10) Flash Betty 3 8 10 Paul Humphreys & Jonathan Sweeney Mick Channon Hollie Doyle
9 (3) Majestic Glory h 3 8 10 Mrs Doreen Tabor Andrew Balding David Probert
10 (5) Rolling The Dice (IRE) p 3 8 10 Mr Hassan Al Abdulmalik Hilal Kobeissi Marco Ghiani
VERDICT: BASHKIROVA looks the one to be on in race two. Runner-up behind Mrs Fitzherbert at Goodwood, she can turn the tables on this occasion. Tom Marquand’s mount did little wrong but had no answer to the winner’s late surge. That proved her effectiveness on an undulating track and she is rated right up with the best of these. Majestic Glory will be suited by the step back up in trip and has the ability to go well.
3.10 – Cazoo Diomed Stakes (Group 3) 1m 113y
1 (6) Escobar (IRE) ts 8 9 8 Withernsea Thoroughbred Limited David O’Meara Jason Watson
2 (4) Finest Sound (IRE) ts 5 9 8 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Simon & Ed Crisford Andrea Atzeni
3 (2) Megallan 4 9 8 Mr A. E. Oppenheimer John & Thady Gosden Frankie Dettori
4 (5) Modern News 4 9 8 Godolphin Charlie Appleby William Buick
5 (1) Mutasaabeq 4 9 8 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Charles Hills Jim Crowley
6 (3) Zakouski 6 9 8 Godolphin Charlie Appleby James Doyle
VERDICT: MUTASAABEQ had to bide his time at Sandown, unluckily not getting a run at a key moment in the race. Just a neck behind at the finish, Jim Crowley’s mount finished ahead of Group 1 winner Alcohol Free in third. This looks the season for the colt to really make his mark and he is fancied to see off Modern News, who is progressing nicely.
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3.45 – Simpex Express “Dash” Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 5f
1 (1) Justanotherbottle (IRE) bl 8 9 12 Mr Steve Ryan & Mr M J Tedham Kevin Ryan Kevin Stott
2 (14) Master Matt bl,ts 6 9 12 Mr F. W. Lynch Matthew J. Smith Ireland R. P. Whelan
3 (20) King of Stars (IRE) p 5 9 10 Mr William Esdaile Michael Appleby Alistair Rawlinson
4 (12) Blue de Vega (GER) ts 9 9 10 Mrs J. Morley Robert Cowell Adam Kirby
5 (2) Mountain Peak 7 9 8 Ebury Racing Ed Walker Tom Marquand
6 (11) Sunday Sovereign ts 5 9 7 King Power Racing Co Ltd Tim Easterby Rob Hornby
7 (7) Fine Wine (FR) bl 5 9 5 Dixon Brennan Mahony & Partners Scott Dixon Jonathan Fisher (5)
8 (19) Tone The Barone ts 6 9 4 Mr B Piper and Partner Stuart Williams Marco Ghiani
9 (4) Equality 4 9 4 Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds II Charles Hills Jack Mitchell
10 (17) Live In The Dream (IRE) 3 9 2 Steve & Jolene de’Lemos Adam West Sean Kirrane (3)
11 (18) Stone of Destiny 7 9 2 King Power Racing Co Ltd Andrew Balding David Probert
12 (6) Live In The Moment (IRE) p 5 9 0 Steve & Jolene de’Lemos Adam West Jason Hart
13 (3) Dusky Lord 4 8 13 The Dusky Lord Partnership Roger Varian David Egan
14 (13) Mid Winster 6 8 13 john blackburn & alan bell Paul Midgley Graham Lee
15 (9) Mokaatil v, p 7 8 11 Midtech Ian Williams Harry Davies (5)
16 (8) Mulzim 8 8 10 Victoria Taylor & Family Mike Murphy Shane Kelly
17 (16) A Sure Welcome p 8 8 9 Kinnersley Partnership 3 John Spearing William Carson
18 (5) Lipsink (IRE) v 5 8 9 Mr J. Sargeant Robert Cowell Hollie Doyle
19 (10) Tees Spirit 4 8 7 Ingleby Bloodstock Ltd & The Ivy League Adrian Nicholls Barry McHugh
20 (15) Thegreatestshowman bl 6 8 3 Amy Murphy Racing Club Amy Murphy Silvestre De Sousa
VERDICT: Fine Wine’s 9lb rise for his comfortable York win puts him on a career high mark, which could be a shade high given the nature of this speedy test. Unlikely to get such an uncontested lead, especially from his middle draw, he can be taken on with STONE OF DESTINY. Unlucky when placed third in this 12 months ago, he is back down to a good mark and the race plays to his strengths. Cheekpieces could inspire Live In The Moment to place, now on a workable weight after his five wins in 2020.
4.30 – Cazoo Derby (In Memory of Lester Piggott) (Group 1) 1m 4f 6y
1 Changingoftheguard (IRE) p 3 9 2 Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Aidan O’Brien Ireland [STALL 16]
2 Desert Crown 3 9 2 Mr Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute Richard Kingscote [STALL 12]
3 El Habeeb (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Mohamed Khalid Abdulrahim Stan Moore John Egan [STALL 14]
4 Glory Daze (IRE) 3 9 2 Glory Gold Partnership Andy Oliver Ireland Ronan Whelan [STALL 10]
5 Grand Alliance (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs Susan Roy Charlie Fellowes Danny Tudhope [STALL 17]
6 Hoo Ya Mal h 3 9 2 Ahmad Al Shaikh Andrew Balding David Probert [STALL 3]
7 Masekela (IRE) 3 9 2 Mick and Janice Mariscotti Andrew Balding Jason Watson [STALL 8]
8 Nahanni p 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby Adam Kirby [STALL 6]
9 Nations Pride (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby William Buick [STALL 5]
10 Piz Badile (IRE) 3 9 2 Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd Donnacha Aidan O’Brien Ireland Frankie Dettori [STALL 7]
11 Royal Patronage (FR) 3 9 2 Highclere T’Bred Racing – Woodland Walk Charlie & Mark Johnston Jason Hart [STALL 1]
12 Sonny Liston (IRE) 3 9 2 Chelsea Thoroughbreds – The Big Bear Charles Hills Tom Marquand [STALL 13]
13 Star of India (IRE) 3 9 2 M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland [STALL 15]
14 Stone Age (IRE) 3 9 2 Brant/Magnier/Tabor/Smith/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland [STALL 4]
15 Walk of Stars 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby James Doyle [STALL 9]
16 Westover 3 9 2 Juddmonte Ralph Beckett Rob Hornby [STALL 2]
17 West Wind Blows (IRE) h 3 9 2 Mr Abdulla Al Mansoori Simon & Ed Crisford Jack Mitchell [STALL 11]
VERDICT: DESERT CROWN is a worthy favourite to land the feature Cazoo Derby. Thought to be in need of the run at York, he made smooth progress and charged clear in the closing stages to steal the show. Entitled to be rusty after a setback, his natural ability really shone through. He looks naturally balanced to handle the track can take another step forward here. Piz Badile lacks the star quality of the selection but he is a tough sort and Frankie Dettori was booked well in advance for the ride. Stone Age showed some quirks as a juvenile and the undulations ask a question of him, for all that his trial win was excellent. Nations Pride, put in the race for £75,000, should not be underestimated for last year’s winning trainer.
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5.15 – World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap 1m 4f 6y
1 (1) Aaddeey (IRE) ts 5 9 9 Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Simon & Ed Crisford Harry Burns (5)
2 (4) Winter Reprise (FR) 5 9 3 Mr Clive Washbourn David Menuisier James Doyle
3 (12) Midnights Legacy 5 9 1 Pitchall Stud Partnership Alan King William Buick
4 (8) Boss Power (IRE) 5 9 0 King Power Racing Co Ltd Sir Michael Stoute Ryan Moore
5 (10) Farhan (IRE) 4 8 13 Mr Naser Buresli John Butler Hollie Doyle
6 (7) State of Bliss (IRE) 4 8 12 Barbara & Alick Richmond Charlie & Mark Johnston Jason Hart
7 (2) Solent Gateway (IRE) p 4 8 10 Mr D. R. Passant & Hefin Williams Hugo Palmer Harry Davies (5)
8 (5) Mascat 5 8 6 Syd Hosie, John Romans, Olly Watt Joe Tizzard Tyler Heard (5)
9 (9) Soapy Stevens 4 8 6 Mr Jim Duggan & Mr Scott Brown Charlie & Mark Johnston Franny Norton
10 (11) Haliphon 5 8 5 Ne-Chance Ian Williams Royston Ffrench
11 (3) Restorer v 10 8 5 Mr Ian Williams Ian Williams
12 (6) Arenas Del Tiempo 4 8 4 Mr Robert Moss Simon Dow Aidan Keeley (7)
VERDICT: SOLENT GETAWAY flopped in the Chester Cup, running too keenly up with the pace. It was a rare off day for the solid handicapper, a shock scorer at this meeting last year. Top apprentice Harry Davies takes the ride and the stayer went close on his first run of the campaign on the Downs. That suggested he can win again off his mark. Mascat has shaped well on his runs for the Tizzard team following a spell hurdling. But Farham may emerge as the main threat to the selection, with a couple of runs on his record this term. Capable on the big occasion, he was a fluent winner of the November Handicap and Hollie Doyle’s mount has more to offer.
5.50 – JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap 6f 3y
1 (2) Commanche Falls p 5 9 9 Doug Graham, Ian Davison, Alan Drysdale Michael Dods Connor Beasley
2 (3) Regional ts 4 9 7 Future Champions Racing Regional Edward Bethell Kevin Stott
3 (4) Punchbowl Flyer (IRE) bl 5 9 1 The Punch Bunch Eve Johnson Houghton Charles Bishop
4 (10) Zargun (GER) 7 9 1 Sexy Six Partnership Scott Dixon Jonathan Fisher (5)
5 (6) Night On Earth (IRE) h 4 9 0 The Horse Watchers 4 Michael Appleby Harry Davies (5)
6 (12) Mr Wagyu (IRE) v 7 9 0 The New Century Partnership John Quinn Jason Hart
7 (14) Alligator Alley 5 8 12 Akela Thoroughbreds Limited David O’Meara Jason Watson
8 (5) Bergerac (IRE) p 4 8 10 Mrs Angie Bailey Kevin Ryan David Probert
9 (13) Premier Power ts 5 8 9 King Power Racing Co Ltd Tim Easterby David Egan
10 (8) Nelson Gay (IRE) 4 8 8 Mr R Gander & Partner Richard Hughes George Rooke (3)
11 (11) Many A Star (IRE) 5 8 7 Mrs Phoebe Hobby Paul & Oliver Cole Mohammed Tabti (7)
12 (15) Full Authority (IRE) ts 5 8 5 Mrs H.H. Morriss & Jane Chapple-Hyam Jane Chapple-Hyam Hollie Doyle
13 (1) Rayong 5 8 4 King Power Racing Co Ltd K. R. Burke Franny Norton
14 (9) Muscika v 8 8 4 Gallop Racing David O’Meara Silvestre De Sousa
15 (7) Spirited Guest 6 8 4 John Guest Racing George Margarson John Egan
VERDICT: An open finale. NELSON GAY kept on tidily to take fourth over five furlongs here on his reappearance and is capable of taking a hand off a decent pace. Many A Star had a bit in hand winning last time and a back-to-form Bergerac is one for the shortlist. The well-treated Alligator Alley and consistent top weight Commanche Falls are others to consider.
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