'Anything can happen in the Derby' - Epsom outsider fancied to outrun odds

The 2022 Flat season is well under way and it is full steam ahead to 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 has you covered.

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

Wednesday round-up: Nations Pride decision imminent as O'Brien reroutes Oaks hope

Last year's Derby-winning trainer Charlie Appleby revealed at the start of that week that Nations Pride, a horse not even entered at Epsom, would be his best chance of sealing back-to-back wins in the Classic.

On Wednesday Appleby indicated a decision as to whether to supplement the Teofilo colt would be taken by Friday morning, with the deadline next Monday at a cost of £75,000.

A Classic contender who is certain to take his place in the Derby line-up is Royal Patronage, who is the only horse to beat Appleby's 2,000 Guineas winner Coroebus.

Mark and Charlie Johnston's Royal Lodge winner was sent off the 7-2 joint favourite for the Dante with Desert Crown, who has led the ante-post Derby market since that impressive York win.

Although behind Desert Crown on the Knavesmire that day and eighth in the 2,000 Guineas, a best price of 33-1 seems too big given the Highclere-owned colt has a course-winning edge over his rivals as the owners' racing manager Harry Herbert pointed out when speaking to the Post on Tuesday.

David Menuisier: trainer of Sir Bob ParkerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Elsewhere in the Derby market, there was support for David Menuisier's outsider Sir Bob Parker who was trimmed to 40-1 (from 66) by bet365.

Bought for €210,000 as a yearling by Menuisier, Sir Bob Parker has raced exclusively in France in his three starts, including when third in a Group 2 at Saint-Cloud earlier this month. It will be interesting to see if this support is sustained over the coming days.

In the Oaks, Above The Curve was pushed out to 20-1 after Joseph O'Brien revealed his Cheshire Oaks runner-up was likely to head to Longchamp this weekend instead of Epsom.

The filly, who had as short as 12-1 for the Cazoo Oaks, will instead target the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary.

Market movers

Cazoo Oaks
Above The Curve 20-1 (from 14)

Cazoo Derby
Sir Bob Parker 40-1 (from 66)

What they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Nations Pride

"Nations Pride has impressed in his work at Moulton Paddocks this morning with William Buick on board. A decision will be made in the next 48 hours whether he will be supplemented for the Derby."

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Above The Curve

"Above The Curve is a likely runner this weekend in France. It was a good run from her at Chester and she seems to have come out of it well."

Harry Herbert, racing manager for Highclere, owners of Royal Patronage

"He's a big price but he ran very well against the Derby favourite the other day and he's 2-1 and we're 33-1. Our horse is experienced around there too and anything can happen in the Derby. I think he'll improve for the step up in trip."

All eyes on. . . Charlie Appleby

Although a high-quality card, Sandown's Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes meeting on Thursday evening will not present any Classic clues.

Therefore, all eyes will remain away from the track on Thursday as to whether Charlie Appleby will make any decision regarding Nations Pride's involvement in the Derby.

Although Appleby has given himself until Friday morning for a definite decision, any early market signals should be closely watched as there will not be any 8-1 about the Godolphin colt if his participation is confirmed.

How the markets look. . .

Cazoo Oaks (4.30 Epsom, June 3)

Sky Bet: 10-11 Emily Upjohn, 4 Nashwa, 6 Concert Hall, 8 Tuesday, 10 With The Moonlight, 16 Tranquil Lady, Thoughts Of June, 18 Above The Curve, 33 bar

Cazoo Derby (4.30 Epsom, June 4)

Paddy Power: 9-4 Desert Crown, 5-2 Stone Age, 8 Nations Pride, Piz Badile, Changingoftheguard, 12 Star Of India, United Nations, 16 Walk Of Stars, Westover, Eydon, 20 bar

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