Tom Segal runs the rule over the juvenile colts who could make the start line for the Derby at Epsom next June

Ruling Court: introduced at 12-1 for the 2,000 Guineas after debut win

Ruling Court runs out the wide-margin winner of a 7f maiden at Sandown last monthCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Today's Offers

All offers

Exclusive new customer sign up offers

FREE BETS

Each season is different, and it's anyone's guess as to whether we have seen next year's Derby winner on a racetrack yet, but the omens look pretty good because only two of the 44 entrants in next month's Group 1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh are unraced.

If that is the case then which of the juveniles we have seen so far fits the bill in terms of pedigree and has shown the star quality usually associated with an Epsom winner?

The obvious one is the Charlie Appleby-trained Ruling Court, who cost €2.3 million at the breeze-up sales and is by Justify, City Of Troy's sire. It's hard for one to put a lot of distance into their rivals up the Sandown hill, but Ruling Court shot clear there on his sole start and on pedigree looks certain to stay ten furlongs, and will probably get a mile and a half too.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on 14 August 2024inTom Segal

Last updated 11:02, 14 August 2024

Copy