Ballydoyle mover in Derby betting while Epsom possibles go on trial at Goodwood

The 2021 Flat season is well under way and it's full steam ahead to the first of the Irish Classics this weekend – the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas – and next month's Epsom Classics, the Cazoo Derby and Cazoo Oaks.

Market movers come thick and fast as the key Classic trials are run in Britain and Ireland, but big-race contenders can come from anywhere and it's easy to miss a potential dark horse. Classic Clues, our new series running every morning, has you covered.

Here's a recap of Thursday's action and how it has impacted the Classic betting, while we mark your card with key names to note today.

High Definition comes in for Derby support

Dante third High Definition came in for notable Cazoo Derby support on Thursday, with stablemate and favourite Bolshoi Ballet easing out to 7-4 (from 6-4).

High Definition was the presumed Ballydoyle number one heading into the trials, but he looked raw at York and Bolshoi Ballet assumed control of the Derby market with an impressive Leopardstown victory.

The switch was as much about High Definition's defeat as it was Bolshoi Ballet's success in the Derrinstown, in which he danced clear of his Group 3 rivals by six lengths.

However, the promise shown by High Definition has clearly stuck in the minds of punters and the son of Galileo was trimmed to 3-1 (from 4) by Coral after sustained support.

Hurricane Lane (William Buick) wins the Dante in which High Definition (purple) was thirdCredit: Edward Whitaker

Coral's David Stevens said: "High Definition only lost Cazoo Derby favouritism to Bolshoi Ballet following the latter's Derrinstown Trial victory.

"However, following a Dante run that gave plenty of encouragement to his Epsom backers, it's far from impossible that the former could yet regain his place at the head of the betting.

"Ryan Moore's choice of big-race mount is sure to influence the market, too."

Elsewhere, Martyn Meade confirmed he was facing a race against time to get his leading Derby hope fit for Epsom next month.

Gloucestershire, a general 100-1 shot for the Derby, won his only start to date at Kempton in December but has been held up this year after an infection in his off-hind led to him being put on antibiotics.

Meade is hoping the son of Flintshire will get a prep run somewhere ahead of the Derby, but the prospect of the horse arriving at Epsom after just one run is a real possibility.

Classy Goodwood card could throw up a couple of Classic contenders

Two Listed contests at Goodwood on Friday are the races with the most potential to impact the markets for next month's Classics.

Lone Eagle, trained by Martyn Meade, was sent off favourite for the Classic Trial at Sandown last month and retains his Cazoo Derby entry ahead of the Cocked Hat Stakes (3.25).

He is a general 100-1 shot for the Derby at present, as is Yibir, who will need a big performance here to book his place at Epsom after disappointing when favourite at Chester last time.

The colt with the biggest chance of leaping into the Derby reckoning is Stay Well for Hughie Morrison. He is a general 33-1 shot and impressed on his seasonal reappearance at Windsor last time.

Could Sandown's Classic Trial prove the key to cracking the Cocked Hat?

Khalifa Sat won last season's Cocket Hat before going on to finish second at Epsom but you have to go back to 1979 and Troy to find the last horse to do the double.

Several of the fillies in the Height Of Fashion Stakes (2.15) have Royal Ascot entries but the one who could make an impact in a Classic is Ready To Venture.

She was third in a conditions race at Ascot last time and holds an entry for the Irish Oaks at the Curragh on July 17.

Trained by William Haggas, the daughter of Kingman is also entered in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the same venue and will enter the reckoning for both if producing a performance of quality here.

If you want more on the 2021 Flat season:

Confirmed runners and riders for the Irish 2,000 Guineas – plus an early tip

Martyn Meade eager to get Derby prep run into 'serious horse' Gloucestershire

Irish Guineas set to be run on soft ground after Curragh is hit by rain

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