Luxembourg rates poor value for Derby given final-furlong sectional

Flat racing needs a constant stream of star quality and the desire to latch on to trendy juveniles often results in an undeserving level of hype.

Crabbing a Group 1 winner is certain to split opinion, but backing Vertem Futurity Trophy winner Luxembourg for the 2022 Derby is about as unappealing as it gets.

Before you think I’m barking mad, I should clarify that this viewpoint originated when I saw his price was cut into 4-1 (3-1 in places) for the Epsom Classic after his length-and-three-quarter victory at Doncaster on Saturday. He clearly possesses natural talent, plenty of it in fact, but he is by no means the dominant colt in the juvenile crop.