One Ruler is strongly-fancied by trainer Charlie Appleby for the Epsom Derby over twelve furlongs of famous ‘Downs which are expected to ride ‘good to firm’ following a deal of watering which doesn’t make sense; how can watering be equally spread over hills and specific undulations?
It’s a misnomer saturating turf to ‘maintain growth of grass’, an original instruction of a one-time powerful Jockey Club and, as mentioned in this column several times, too many racecourses have been ruined by the ‘root cause’ of over-watering; it seems there’s little any representation can do to stop such irresponsibility. Clerks of courses have become a law unto themselves, so supercilious when challenged.
Originally my strong fancy for the ‘Worlds’ greatest horserace’ was Appleby’s ‘second string’ Hurricane Lane, mount of William Buick who has the choice of Godolphin-owned thoroughbreds everywhere. He can’t ride ’em both and James Doyle has proved himself irrevocably on the international stage and, reportedly, is buzzing about One Ruler, a creditable close sixth in the 2000 Guineas, beaten only five lengths.
That great Newmarket Rowley Mile classic held the key to the Irish equivalent when the winner, Poetic Flare, was short-headed by Jim Bolger-trained stable-companion Mac Sliney; through centuries it’s been worthwhile following the ‘2000’ form and this year is no exception whatsoever. It was a genuine, fast-run classic.
Appleby is ‘all over’ One Ruler, ‘a genuine ten furlongs horse’ but, surprisingly, he didn’t enthuse about my original fancy ‘Dante’ winner, Hurricane Lane, why?
‘Time’ is of the essence and I resorted to computation of their respective ‘clock figures’ in tandem with Racing Research analysis; we concur, One Ruler is at least 6lbs superior, possibly stamina is at issue. I’ll save on Hurricane Lane but know from experience, despite a penchant for the Frankel colt initially, ‘you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear’ as the saying goes. Time rules.
Wonder if Ryan Moore will attempt to make all on hot-favourite Bolshoi Ballet!
This would undoubtedly sort out the wheat from the chaff which is unlikely to include the Appleby duo nor actual top BHA-rated 119, Mac Sliney, and the progressive Chester Vase winner Youth Spirit; with this quintet in contention approaching the two furlong marker I’d be excited.
One Ruler is napped because I’ve always ‘starred’ my classic selections; they are, after all, the sheer embodiment of my modus operandi as two-year-olds of the previous year.
Hurricane Lane has been heavily-backed this morning, lots of punters must have read this guidance column on Monday; price is now halved.
Majority of naps for the rest of this season will soon be juveniles, they are my speciality and trade at good prices, with patience, key to success when ‘investing’ on horse-racing. Never gamble.
Selections, Doncaster, 4.15 Mahale; Epsom, 4.30 One Ruler (e.w); Lingfield, 6.15 Riknaah.
Jeffrey Ross, horse-racing correspondent for WMN since 1983 when winning the most prestigious racing journalist award, Sporting Life Naps Table, before winning it a record number of six times collectively in the Racing Post, the current ‘trade’ paper, including 2019