Impressive John Leeper 7-1 for Derby as Buick dominates with 92-1 four-timer
The Cazoo Derby dream is very much alive for John Leeper, who was cut to 7-1 (from 16) by Paddy Power for Epsom glory next month after a powerful win in one of the last recognised trials, the Listed Fairway Stakes.
William Buick was initiating a four-timer when landing his second Derby warm up in three days aboard the Ed Dunlop-trained colt, named after the trainer's late father John, who landed the 1m2f contest himself with Palavicini in 2009.
John Leeper showed plenty of his sire Frankel's zest when proving tough to settle in the early exchanges of the five-runner contest, but once Buick won that argument the 6-4 favourite loomed large at the Bushes and saw off the persistent Tasman Bay by a length and three-quarters.
Dunlop said: "That was a bit of a different test for John Leeper as he's immature and that was his first proper race, but he handled it very well.
"He's all about the future and will only get better I'm sure. I think the owner [Cristina Patino] will want to head to Epsom where I doubt William will be able to ride him, but I'm sure we'll find someone."
Sir Mark Todd, trainer of Tasman Bay, later indicated the runner-up would also take his chance at Epsom.
Buick later bagged the 6f and 7f handicaps on favourites Jumby and Ametist before completing a 92-1 four-timer on Sayyida, a half-sister of 2018 Derby winner Masar, in the 1m4f fillies' novice.
Listed glory for Loder
The Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot is next on the agenda for Bellosa, who maintained a perfect start to her career in the Listed King Charles II Stakes under Richard Kingscote.
Owner Sir Edmund Loder, whose yellow colours were worn to Coronation Stakes and Irish 1,000 Guineas glory by Marling 29 years ago, was on hand to witness the daughter of Awtaad tread a wayward path from the Bushes before seeing off Fundamental.
Winning trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam said: "It was nice to put one over the boys and I think we'll try to do so again in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot rather than the Coronation as she's not short of speed.
"It's nice that Sir Edmund could be here and he sent me this filly as he has done well with fillies trained from the yard in the past."
Ascot aims
Daahyeh won the 6f fillies’ novice stakes in 2019 and went on to land the Group 3 Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, and this year’s impressive victor Cachet is set to follow the same route..
The daughter of Aclaim was a first winner in the Highclere Racing colours for trainer George Boughey, who is building up a formidable team of juveniles for the Royal fixture.
The winner was introduced at 8-1 for the Albany by Paddy Power, and Boughey said: "That was no surprise as she'd been working well with older horses and I nearly ran her in the Marygate at York yesterday. She'll head to the Albany at Royal Ascot where I hope to run four or five others."
Fallon back
Cieren Fallon took his first rides in a week after a late-night return from his aborted trip to ride The Lir Jet in the French 2,000 Guineas, and went closest when finishing second on Jadwal in the 6f sprint handicap.
"I only arrived back from France at 1am this morning after which I had to take a Covid test, which thankfully was negative," he said. "I couldn't even ride out this morning and came straight here."
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Published on 15 May 2021inReports
Last updated 19:40, 15 May 2021
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