From Slip Anchor to Masar: five ways to win around Epsom in the Derby

With its rollercoaster switchback of a layout and supercharged atmosphere, Epsom on Derby Day can be a torture chamber for even the best jockeys if their horse doesn't take to the occasion.

So what do some of the best Derby-winning rides from down the years tell us about the best tactics to overcome such a daunting test of a racehorse?

Can it be won from the front?

The occasion can sometimes get to jockeys and commentators alike and many a Derby has seen one burst clear to open up a gap on the field rounding Tattenham Corner, raising the pitch from the booth at the same time.

It is a long way up the Epsom straight and many horses don't see out the test so extra marks for those jockeys that can execute such early strikes effectively on the biggest day in the British racing calendar.

Willie Ryan produced a brilliant tactical ride to get Benny The Dip home at the expense of the fast-finishing Silver Patriarch having stretched his field fully three furlongs out in 1997.

But for getting the fractions absolutely right, nobody riding in Britain has ever consistently matched Steve Cauthen, with his masterclasses aboard Slip Anchor in 1985 and again two years later on Reference Point, still the only two all-the-way Derby wins since 1926.

This could suit . . . Bangkok

Silvestre de Sousa is a fine jockey from the front and Bangkok looks one of the more certain stayers on pedigree.

Don't get there too early . . .

Nine-time winning jockey Lester Piggott and later Kieren Fallon were often seen at their best around Epsom when stalking the pacesetters.

Given the risk of the leaders falling back through the field and others rolling down the camber towards the rail, having a clear sight turning in is never a bad idea if you have a horse that can take you into the race from halfway.

Joseph O'Brien's Derby wins came when staying wide of trouble, though arguably he was able to play things relatively safe aboard Camelot and Australia, who were travelling so well his rider was obliged to hold on to his mount in front before pressing the go button.

Australia (centre) wins the 2014 Epsom Derby under Joseph O'BrienCredit: Charlie Crowhurst

Frankie Dettori kept things simple on Authorized in 2007 in a fair impression of Mill Reef’s rider Geoff Lewis from 36 years earlier, taking a pull as his rivals toiled.

This could suit . . . Anthony Van Dyck

Classy enough at two to shadow Too Darn Hot and Quorto over 7f, he relished the step up in trip at Lingfield.

Make it a stamina contest

The Derby is the supreme test of a thoroughbred precisely because it requires colts who are yet to reach their physical peak to sustain a finishing burst for longer than they have been asked to do before.

Pouring it on... High Chaparral and Johnny Mutagh pulling clear of Hawk Wing at Epsom in 2002Credit: Edward Whitaker

Since Sea The Stars bridged a 20-year gap to do the Guineas-Derby double in 2009 it has become more common to successfully make the great leap forward from a mile at Epsom (or perhaps that should be that middle-distance horses have shown the requisite pace to triumph first at Newmarket).

However the Derby can blunt such speed if a horse of sufficient quality strikes first, as emphasised by High Chaparral's defeat of stablemate Hawk Wing.

Johnny Murtagh's three Derby victories owed a little something to the Piggott/Fallon school but, whereas with Sinndar and Motivator he was clearly on the best horse, his decision to put High Chaparral into high gear rounding Tattenham Corner was the difference between success and failure.

Although he didn't pass the front-running Moon Ballad until the two-furlong pole, Murtagh's early move forced Mick Kinane to commit Hawk Wing much earlier than he would have liked to, allowing High Chaparral's superior stamina to prove pivotal in the final furlong.

Stamina was also the deciding factor for Masar 12 months ago after William Buick got first run on Roaring Lion before seeing the trip out more stoutly than his rival.

This could suit . . . Line Of Duty

James Doyle knows the son of Galileo was up to winning at the Breeders' Cup over a mile on yielding ground and will likely have plenty of confidence in his fitness for this new trip.

Coming fast and late

There is almost nothing more thrilling in Flat racing than seeing a Derby winner played daringly late, and there have been several examples in recent years, although not all such late rushes can be described as plan A.

Pour Moi's 2011 success might chiefly be remembered for 19-year-old Mickael Barzalona standing up to salute the crowd before crossing the line, but it was a beautifully executed ride aboard a horse that was not easy to settle.

The mid-1990s saw two superlative examples in consecutive years.

Willie Carson times it just right aboard Erhaab to win a fourth Derby in 1994

Willie Carson saved every yard of ground round the inner aboard Erhaab in 1994 before switching out halfway up the straight to fly home.

And 12 months later Walter Swinburn produced a masterful performance aboard the inexperienced Lammtarra, guiding him through traffic and keeping his mount beautifully balanced before dropping his head in front almost on the line.

This could suit . . . Sir Dragonet

The Vase winner gave his rivals a long look before Donnacha O'Brien made his move turning into the short straight at Chester.

And when all else fails . . .

Some late arrivals are the result of traffic problems or else a horse failing to act down the hill, both factors which can leave a jockey with seemingly too much to do.

Six years on from his father Pour Moi, Wings Of Eagles gave a strikingly similar display under Padraig Beggy to spring a huge shock, having suffered a very rough passage.

Sir Percy and Martin Dwyer (right) get up in one of the most thrilling Derby finishes this century in 2006Credit: Edward Whitaker

And in 2006 a lesser man than Martin Dwyer might have given up all hope of either getting Sir Percy balanced or finding a clear run before diving up the inside to snatch victory in a four-way drive to the line.

Dwyer said afterwards: "He's really tough and determined and even though the gap was tiny, he never flinched as he went through it and showed a tremendous turn of foot."

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