Derby dream alive for Owen Burrows as Gethin is slashed to 20-1 for Epsom Classic after Newbury win

Owen Burrows is dreaming about the prospect of the Betfred Derby for Gethin after he was slashed for the British Classic following a comfortable victory in the 1m2f novice.

A six-length debut winner at Nottingham last year, the Ghaiyyath colt was cut to 20-1 (from 50s) with Paddy Power for the Epsom contest on June 7 after defeating Saddadd by three and a half lengths.

Burrows expects Gethin to run again before the Derby, but when asked if Classic dream is alive he said: "Definitely, based on what he's done now. 

"He's in the Dante and I liked this race as it gives us a bit of time. There's Chester, Lingfield and York, so we can dream and see what's what. We'll see what the opposition is but he's a well-balanced horse and it's a Derby, isn't it."

Gethin: pulls well clear to put himself in Derby contentionCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Gethin showed his ground versatility by following up his debut win in heavy conditions on a faster surface here, and Burrows added: "He's still a big, raw baby, so he'll improve for getting that out of his system. He was a bit fresh in the stable earlier, but he's a work-in-progress and you can't be anything but impressed with him."

Royal date

Ralph Beckett could target Royal Ascot with Moon Over Miami after he returned to winning ways in the feature 2m½f handicap.

The four-year-old was unbeaten last year but he had failed to get off the mark in three outings on the all-weather this term. However, Beckett is hoping he is back to his usual zest after a few issues and is eyeing a run at the royal meeting in June.

Beckett said: "He's a complicated horse. He's not been easy and we've had to train him in a certain way, so it's been a long road. He's talented but he's had his trials.

"The all-weather didn't suit him. He lugged right throughout the race, so that rules him out of the Chester Cup, but he might be one for the Queen Alexandra. He might stay really well."

Serenity Prayer: beats Lady Ridgewood in the 1m2f fillies' maidenCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Classic potential

Andrew Balding may consider an Oaks trial for Serenity Prayer after she made a winning debut in the 1m2f fillies' maiden.

Owned by Westerberg, who has close connections to Coolmore, the daughter of Dubawi could be one aimed down the Classic route after her one-and-a-half-length success over Lady Ridgewood. 

Winning jockey Oisin Murphy said: "You’d imagine that if she stays healthy then Andrew might look at one of those Oaks trials. 

"I'm delighted to have nice horses for these owners. Obviously they've a lot in partnership with Coolmore, so it's great to have them in the yard."

Consecrated: made a winning start for the Haggas teamCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Eyecatching debutant

Consecrated could step up to Listed company following a smart first success in the 7f fillies' maiden.

Maureen Haggas, wife of winning trainer William, said: "She's a beautifully bred filly and you hope they'd come out and do something like that. 

"Cieren [Fallon, rider] couldn't pull her up and she's going to get further. We'll probably step her up to a mile next time, and we might look at the Listed Michael Seely at York.

Betfred Derby, June 7
Paddy Power: 7-2 The Lion In Winter, 7 Twain, 10 Ruling Court, Expanded, Delacroix, 20 Gethin, 25 Stanhope Gardens, 28 bar

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