Derby reflections: five points to take from the Epsom Classic

Irish domination of the Derby continues

There was no such thing as the luck of the Irish at Epsom as there was nothing lucky about saddling the first six home. It was pure dominance.

While the wealth of resources available to Aidan O'Brien and Coolmore distorts the picture, there is no getting away from Ireland training six of the last eight Derby winners. The victories of Golden Horn (2015) and Masar (2018) have stopped dominance becoming a walkover, but this year's race merely confirms the tide is not changing yet or appearing to anytime soon.

There are undoubtedly some fine middle-distance prospects in Britain, but for the sake of interest and competition in what remains the most high-profile race of the season, the home team could really do with some turning up in the next few Derbys.

Anthony Van Dyck (right) continued Ireland's domination of the DerbyCredit: Mark Cranham (Racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien jigsaw far from simple

Aidan O'Brien's hit-and-miss record with big teams of runners in British Classics was enhanced with Anthony Van Dyck's win.

However, it again highlighted how difficult it is to establish a pecking order for his talented squad of contenders, as Anthony Van Dyck was behind Sir Dragonet and Broome in terms of market preference and arguably on jockey bookings too.

Japan, a 20-1 shot, outperformed the aforementioned fancied pair to finish third, with Broome fourth and Sir Dragonet fifth.

It is not a problem restricted to O'Brien for punters, as jumps fans tackle similar difficulties with the large teams owned by Gigginstown and trained by Willie Mullins, but it certainly adds an extra difficulty into an already complicated Classic puzzle.

Do not give up on leading British prospects

Telecaster and Bangkok, tied together by a Doncaster maiden and as the fancied British contenders for the Derby, failed to deliver at Epsom, filling the last two positions.

At first glance they were huge disappointments, but Epsom, a track unique in its nature, is not every horse's cup of tea, and they are likely to have much better days in the future.

The 16-day gap between the Dante and the Derby may have been too short for Telecaster, with Hughie Morrison and Oisin Murphy reporting he ran flat, while Andrew Balding and Silvestre de Sousa felt Bangkok did not handle the track.

The two colts displayed huge promise in their trials and are unquestionably smart, while Humanitarian bolstered his profile as best of the British in seventh.

Madhmoon: Derby runner-up proved Guineas form a good guideCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Guineas form typically a handy guide

The saying goes that the 2,000 Guineas is always the best Derby trial. A staying-on fourth at Newmarket, Madhmoon provided a timely reminder of the sense behind that statement to finish a fine second in the Derby.

The form of the Guineas has been questioned, given a small group dominated the race up the stands' side and winner Magna Grecia has since failed to perform in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

However, Madhmoon, the only horse who shaped like a Derby prospect in the mile Classic at Newmarket, went close to emulating last year's Derby winner Masar, who finished third in the Guineas before claiming Epsom glory.

Was Quorto a missed opportunity for Godolphin?

Line Of Duty finished ninth in Godolphin's bid to win the Derby in back-to-back years. But was stablemate Quorto their true Derby prospect?

The answer will remain unknown as the son of Dubawi suffered a setback in training in Dubai in March and has not been seen this season.

Unbeaten as a two-year-old, Quorto asserted well to beat subsequent Epsom hero Anthony Van Dyck in the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh. His potential remains unlimited, but it may be a question of what might have been with him for Godolphin.

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