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Cazoo Derby report and replay: Desert Crown runs out brilliant winner at Epsom
Desert Crown ran out a brilliant winner of the Cazoo Derby for Sir Michael Stoute and Richard Kingscote.
Sent-off the 5/2 favourite he was always travelling sweetly and put the race to bed with his change of gear two furlongs out.
He was able to coast through the closing stages to beat the 150/1 outsider Hoo Ya Mal by two-and-a-half lengths with Westover (25/1) third.
It was a sixth win in the race, run this year in the memory of Lester Piggott, for the winning trainer, 41 years after his most famous with Shergar and 12 since his last one in Workforce.
Desert Crown was also tipped at 25/1 by Matt Brocklebank in his ante-post Value Bet column for the Classic.
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Stoute back in big time
Stoute was thrilled to see his charge claim the Epsom showpiece in such style, in the same Saeed Suhail colours as Fallon and Kris Kin in 2003.
He said: “His performance delighted me because he had it won a long way out. He has such a good mind to go with his abilities. He was having little niggles (last year) and that’s why he didn’t run until the backend. He had a foot problem (earlier this year).
“I was very happy when he got to the top of the hill, he was really (well) positioned, he travelled and floated down the hill.”
Asked to compare Desert Crown to Shergar, the Freemason Lodge trainer added: “Shergar was very special, he hasn’t quite reached that stage but he has potential.”
Day to savour for Kingscote
Kingscote was full of praise for Desert Crown, who was having just his third racecourse outing.
He said: “He was very good today, very smooth and for a horse that has only run twice, he was very professional. He took all the prelims beautifully and I was really pleased with. Every time I have sat on him he’s been very calm and today was no exception. I couldn’t fault him, he went to the start and then fireworks went off and he was a lovely ride.
“He jumped really well, he does have a hood in the stalls, but he was out really well. Sir Michael was keen for me to try to take a reasonable pitch. I was hung out a little wide once we crossed over, took a little time and it wasn’t until the seven (furlong marker) I was able to slide one off the fence and from there he was very comfortable. He came down the hill really well balanced and changed leads over the road and off he went to top gear.
“He was probably getting there a little soon, but it meant I was able to pull him up. The others just weren’t able to take him along – it just shows he has a good deal about him.”
Asked if Desert Crown could be as effective over 10 furlongs, Kingscote added: “He does have gears, he got to the line very well but honestly I couldn’t pigeon hole him. He’s very likeable and has class but the rest is up to Sir Michael, he knows better than me.”
Elite band of jockeys
Kingscote joins an elite band of riders to have partnered a Derby winner for Stoute, joining Walter Swinburn, Kieren Fallon and Ryan Moore.
He said: “I think it’s quite surreal because as a jockey maybe you don’t see yourself among jockeys like that and it’s only through the support of other people that you’re able to do it. I think it took a lot of guts from Sir Michael and the owner to stick with me in a Derby, so I’m very grateful to them for supporting me and letting me ride a very good horse.
“I’m not a champion jockey, I’m not Ryan Moore – I guess I’ve had a good career, but I’ve not had a starlet career. I think it takes a lot of support for them not to look elsewhere. In the last two years, being supported by the likes of Sir Michael, gives you confidence as a rider and I think it’s done me good.”
Irish Derby next for Westover
Westover might have been even closer with a clear passage, but trainer Ralph Beckett was delighted with his effort.
He said: “He’s a cracking horse and he’s run a huge race, I’m thrilled with him. I think nothing went wrong except the gap was going quicker than he was at the time.
“The obvious thing now is to go for the Irish Derby on a big, galloping track. All of us would agree that if we can’t win it Sir Michael winning it gives us all great hope. I’m extremely glad to be here.”
David Cleary analysis
Put aside for a moment the pounds and ounces, the style of Desert Crown's victory in the Derby marks him out as potentially one of the best winners of this great race this century. To score as he did on just his third start, clearly going best as he cruised up in the straight and settling the outcome in strides with a fine turn of foot, essentially just asked to do enough to hold his lead in the final furlong, marks him down as a colt right out of the top drawer.
To the form, then: a basic Timeform rating, yet to be finalised, somewhere in the mid-120s would be an educated guess, not as high as some, but well up to standard for the race. How high could that figure go, once Desert Crown tackles his elders? Another 10 lb wouldn't surprise.
Where Desert Crown will go next is complicated by his lack of big-race entries – he's not in the Eclipse or the Irish Derby, which rather suggests a horse that had until recently been hiding his light under a bushel at home. The speed he showed to settle matters would suggest the Eclipse; Desert Crown will have no problem dropping back in trip and there's a few quid in the pot to supplement for Sandown.
Outsiders chased Desert Crown home, sometimes a reason to be cautious about assessing form, though perhaps not in this instance. Hoo Ya Mal in second would be the main concern, but he clearly relished the extra distance and a soundly-run race, so can be given the benefit of the doubt. Third home Westover, finishing fast, would have been a clear second had he not been badly hampered as he made his move. He's got a progressive profile, was one of the best lookers in the paddock and can improve further. The Irish Derby might be ideal.