Roaring Lion unlucky to be born in the Saxon age and France could beckon

It was no surprise that Roaring Lion was promoted to second favourite for the Investec Derby. The shock was that his nemesis Saxon Warrior was not shortened further in the market.

That was the natural reaction to the stunning success of Roaring Lion in a trial that has provided the strongest clues to Epsom winners in recent years.

Roaring Lion: gallops away from his rivals in the DanteCredit: Edward Whitaker

Unfortunately this year there looks to be a giant bestriding the Classic scene, although some hold the belief that Roaring Lion swerved away from beating Saxon Warrior in the Racing Post Trophy last October.