Sea The Stars: sweeps to the front under a confident Mick Kinane

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.com 

Sea The Stars completes Guineas-Derby double

Report: Epsom, Saturday

Investec Derby (Group 1) 1m4f

SEA THE STARS became the first horse since Nashwan in 1989 to complete the  2,000 Guineas and Derby double under a confident ride from Mick Kinane.

Settled in third place behind pacesetters Golden Sword and Age Of Aquarius, Sea The Stars, who was sent off at 11-4, travelled like a true champion and swept to the front before the furlong marker. 

Approaching the line Fame And Glory, Masterofthehorse and Rip Van Winkle started to close on the winner but could never get on terms with the son of Cape Cross.

Fame And Glory, sent off the 9-4 favourite, just held on for second, with Masterofthehorse third.

The win provided trainer John Oxx with his second Derby victory following Sinndar's victory in 2000, while Kinane was tasting success in the race for the third time.

"It all happened in slow motion," said the winning jockey.

"They did not go fast enough for him and he was always travelling very well. He quickened up well when I asked and went right away.

Mick Kinane: third win in the race

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker  

"He has such a high cruising speed and has improved so much since Newmarket. If anything he over-raced in the early stages but his class got him through."

Winning trainer John Oxx was quick to pay tribute to his dual Classic winner.

"He's never let us down right from the word go.

"Some horses look the business and then let you down but this fellow has never let us down.

"I was never very anxious at any time during the race because he was going so well and as he improved down the hill I could see Mick was waiting, waiting, waiting.

"When he sent him on I knew he wouldn't stop as he'd been going too well for too long.

"He idles a bit in front, he's the same at home.

"He could win at any distance. He could go back to a mile, and ten furlongs is probably perfect for him."

Oxx, who trains the winner for Christopher Tsui, a 27 year old Hong Kong nightclub owner, continued: "I think the St Leger might be a bridge too far.

John Oxx: 'never let us down'

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch  

"I'm a believer in the Triple Crown, I think it will be won within the next ten years with all these good middle-distance stallions about, but if we were worried about the trip for the Derby I think we'd be very worried going into the Leger if we had him entered.

"We'll have to talk about it of course but this lad will be very good over a mile, and ten furlongs.

"The Irish Derby would be the obvious next race but there is also the International at York and the Champion Stakes at Leopardstown to think about."

William Hill make Sea The Stars 5-4 to complete the Triple Crown, while he was cut from 8-1 into 2-1 forthe King George at Ascot next month.

The same firm go 4-1 about the winner lifting the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.