Desert Law and Duke Of Firenze join Caspian Prince in clash of former winners

Investec Corporate Banking 'Dash' Handicap |Class 2 | 5f | 3yo+ | ITV/RUK

Two more past winners of Epsom's annual speedfest join triple victor Caspian Prince in a red hot running that has attracted the usual maximum field of 20.

Desert Law, now ten, won the Dash three years ago, when his trainer Paul Midgley also saddled the second. The year younger Duke Of Firenze won it way back in 2013, in what almost seems another life, when racing for Sir Michael Stoute, Cheveley Park Stud and Ryan Moore.

There are others in the field who are virtually standing dishes, like Boom The Groom, never worse than seventh in three attempts. However, the more locally trained veteran Pettochside was never good enough to get in until this year, when at the grand old age of nine he is on a career high mark of 95.

Duke of Firenze (Ryan Moore) wins the 2013 'Dash'Credit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Last year's running saw Dark Shot's extraordinary late burst fail by only a short head. He races for new connections now, and this will be his apprentice rider Jamie Gormley's first taste of the track.

Effect of the draw

Anticipating the effect of the draw here is often fraught with difficulty, but less so perhaps this year.

There have been years, such as 2016, when a high draw near the stands' rail appeared essential, with the first four drawn 17, 19, 20 and 18 (for good measure the next two places were taken by horses drawn 14 and 16).

On the other hand, stall one provided the winner last year and in 2015, and the second in 2013. In addition, the winner came from stall two in 2012. Caspian Prince, drawn 2, clearly won't be the only pace angle in a race of this nature, but he's a compelling one.

Significantly perhaps, the ground was good to soft when horses drawn high were so dominant, and there's a certain logic to the stands' side being quickest in those circumstances as the camber falls away to the far rail, so the track has a natural tendency to drain that way.

There was a clear advantage in being close to the rail on Friday.

What they say

David Griffiths, trainer of Duke Of Firenze and Lucky Beggar
Duke Of Firenze disappointed last time but our horses were a bit flat at the time. He's in as good form, if not better, than last year, when he was beaten a short head and a nose, and I think he's got an outstanding chance if the ground continues drying out. Lucky Beggar has sneaked in at the bottom and could well outrun his odds, as he'll love the ground.

David O'Meara, trainer of Edward Lewis and Aleef
Edward Lewis ran well in the race last year and I think the slower ground will help. I don't think he's drawn the best [in stall four] but he has been running consistently well and is in good form. Aleef just sneaks in at the bottom but has plenty to find.

Robert Cowell, trainer of Blue De Vega and Storm Over
I've no idea if Blue De Vega will handle the track, but the ground won't be a problem and he's reasonably handicapped. Storm Over needs give underfoot so we have to pick and choose, but it will be fine for him and he's quite speedy.

Paul Midgley, trainer of Desert Law, Tarboosh and Tanasoq
Desert Law ran great at Epsom in April and is back in good order after disappointing at York. Stall three might be a slight negative, but he won it from one and he's next to Caspian Prince, so I don't think he'll be beaten by the draw. Tarboosh loves slow ground and can definitely win off his mark. Tanasoq is well drawn but needs plenty of luck in running.

Tony Carroll, trainer of Boom The Groom
The ground and draw should be fine and he's in a good place. We've missed a bit of luck, and because of that he's got himself where he is. The day he gets a bit of luck he'll be away.

Scott Dixon, trainer of Dark Shot
He ran a fantastic race last year, when he absolutely flew home and was in front just after the line, and we bought him with this race in mind. He ran a cracker at York on his only start for us, and we didn't run again because we didn't want to risk a penalty.

George Baker, trainer of Harry Hurricane
He's got the plum draw against the rail and we'll hope to make the most of it. He ran a good race there two starts ago.

Michael Attwater, trainer of Just That Lord
Most of the family enjoy some give, but he barely gets five furlongs, so the ground is a bit of a worry. So too is the draw, although I know there's pace over there.

John Gallagher, trainer of Bahamian Sunrise
He won at Epsom in April and he's had excuses since. He's got plenty of speed, he won't mind the ground, and we're trying a change of headgear. He just needs a bit of luck, as they all do.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Shamshon
He could have been drawn better, but he's close to Caspian Prince. He'll like the ground and should run well.

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