PartialLogo
Britain

Ballysax winner White Birch enters Derby reckoning as Australian ace Anamoe is entered for the Lockinge

White Birch: a surprise winner of the Ballysax
White Birch: added to the DerbyCredit: Patrick McCann

Sunday's shock Ballysax winner White Birch featured among 20 horses added to the Derby at Epsom at the second entry stage on Tuesday.

The John Murphy-trained grey powered home late to cause a 22-1 upset at Leopardstown, showing a level of ability that has persuaded connections to stump up the £9,000 to enter the Classic on June 3. White Birch is priced at 25-1 for the Derby in an ante-post market headed by Auguste Rodin at 2-1.

Imperial Emperor, winner of a Newmarket maiden in October on his debut and general 12-1 second-favourite for the Derby, was another notable addition as owners Godolphin also included the likes of Flying Honours, Naval Power and Silver Knott.

Leading 2,000 Guineas contender Royal Scotsman was also put in the Derby, for which the entry now totals 103.

Winner of last year's Richmond Stakes over 6f before finishing a narrow runner-up in the Dewhurst Stakes, Royal Scotsman is on course for Newmarket with connections looking to keep all options open.

Joint-trainer Oliver Cole said: "We've put him in at the second stage and he could go for the Derby. He's got a hell of a lot of speed over six and seven [furlongs] and we think he'll stay the mile of the Guineas and we could go for the Derby after that.

"We're taking one step at a time. He's improved from last year and is going really, really well."

Anamoe could warm up for Royal Ascot with Lockinge run

Godolphin's Australian superstar Anamoe could run in Britain before Royal Ascot after featuring in the entries for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May.

Anamoe is set to run in Saturday's Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick, where he will bid for a record-equalling seventh Group 1 victory of the season, matching the feat of mighty mares Winx and Makybe Diva.

Anamoe ridden by James McDonald wins the Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 22, 2022 in Moonee Ponds, Australia. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)
James McDonald shows his joy as Anamoe wins the Cox PlateCredit: Reg Ryan, Racing Photos

Trained by James Cummings, Anamoe will have his last start in Australia at the weekend and has been given the option of running in the Lockinge – Britain's first Group 1 of the season for older horses on May 20 – before a possible tilt at the Queen Anne Stakes or Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

The Cox Plate hero won for the ninth time at the highest level last month when successful in the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.

Godolpin have made another international entry in the Lockinge with the Andre Fabre-trained Tribalist, who won a Group 3 at Saint-Cloud on Saturday, featuring alongside home contenders Modern Games, Real World and Valiant Prince.

A total of 30 entries were made for the Lockinge, including leading contenders Inspiral and Lord North from the John and Thady Gosden stable.

Shadwell won the the race last season with Baaeed and could turn to the Charlie Hills-trained Mutasaabeq this time.

Elsewhere, a total of 65 fillies have been entered for the Oaks at Epsom, but the ante-post favourite Tahiyra was missing from the list.

Leading 1,000 Guineas contenders Meditate, Never Ending Story and Mawj were among those in the reckoning for the fillies' Classic on June 2.

Adayar and Emily Upjohn head 19 entries for the same day's Coronation Cup at Epsom, although 2021 winner Pyledriver did not feature. Luxembourg, Westover and Hurricane Lane are also in a strong list.


Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (3.35 Newbury, May 20)

Coral: 7-2 Inspiral, Modern Games, 5 My Prospero, 7 Homeless Songs, Nashwa, 8 Anamoe, Laurel, Lord North, 10 Jadoomi, 14 bar

Epsom Oaks (June 2)

Coral: 8 Never Ending Story, 10 Meditate, 14 Electric Eyes, Infinite Cosmos, 16 Bluestocking, Dancing Goddess, 20 Bridestones, Inner Space, Jackie Oh, Mawj, Soul Sister, 25 bar

Epsom Derby (June 3)

William Hill: 2 Auguste Rodin, 10 Imperial Emperor, 16 Flying Honours, 20 Silver Knott, Slipofthepen, Victoria Road, Naval Power, Proud And Regal, 22 Epictetus, 25 bar 


Read this next:

Dashel Drasher recovers second place in Stayers' - but Teahupoo connections slam 'absolute rubbish' decision

William Hill and the PR disaster that could have profound implications for the gambling industry  

Tom Segal and Paul Kealy had 10-1 and 9-1 Saturday winners - get their tips and much more with 50% off Members' Club Ultimate Monthly 


Do you want £200+ of free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.

Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 4 April 2023inBritain

Last updated 19:30, 4 April 2023

iconCopy