Military March has Bin Suroor dreaming of Derby glory again after Guineas fourth

Saeed bin Suroor harboured Investec Derby ambitions for Military March even before the colt's excellent fourth in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday and it is now all systems go for Epsom next month.

Sent off a 20-1 shot, Military March was unable to go on in the final furlong at Newmarket, shaping very much like a horse who would benefit from tackling an extra half-mile on the Epsom Downs.

Bin Suroor, whose sole Derby winner came in 1995 with Lammtarra, appears to have a live contender for this year's race, with Military March third in the betting at 6-1 behind 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko.

Watch the 2,000 Guineas

"Military March needs a mile and a half and the Guineas was a good race for him before the Derby," Bin Suroor said on Monday. "He is doing well and we're happy with him.

"He was a little bit fresh before the Guineas but has always worked well on the watered gallop in Newmarket. He should be more settled now and he'll be ready for the race."

Hector Crouch enjoyed a fine Classic debut aboard Military March on Saturday, but Bin Suroor added he will keep his options open regarding riding plans for Epsom.

Fourth place also went to Bin Suroor in the 1,000 Guineas as Final Song outran her 100-1 odds under Pat Cosgrave behind Love.

While stablemate Military March is going up in trip, Final Song may drop back to seven furlongs on her next start, with the Jersey Stakes an option for her at Royal Ascot next week.

Final Song (centre) was third at Royal Ascot last year in the Queen Mary and could head back there for the Jersey StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bin Suroor said: "She ran very well in Saudi Arabia [third in Samba Saudi Derby] which is why we gave her a chance in the Guineas and she ran a really good race.

"She's got plenty of speed – she won over five furlongs at two – and now we can keep our options open. We could take her to Ascot and drop her in trip to seven."

Read more:

All O'Brien needs is Love as star filly sets up Oaks date with Guineas rout

A dream comes true for champion Murphy as Kameko lands the ghost town Guineas

Four things we learned from four scintillating days of racing at Newmarket

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