Kinane, Fallon and Roche: the Epsom heroes reveal their Derby picks

Epsom is a unique test of horse and rider, and Mark Boylan caught up with a trio of former jockeys who have experienced Derby glory to find out who they think will be returning to the coveted winner's circle on Saturday – and what makes the race so special.

Mick Kinane
Commander in Chief (1993), Galileo (2001) and Sea The Stars (2009)

The obvious one would be Saxon Warrior but with the ground on the easy side it mightn't make life straightforward for him and I give Roaring Lion a big chance for John Gosden.

I was impressed with him in the Dante – any horse that finishes as strongly as he did at York usually gets the Derby trip. I wouldn't harbour any concerns in that regard and I think he has a definite chance.

I don't see stall one posing any problems for Saxon Warrior. In a field of 12 they should be able to ensure there's enough speed in the race.

The only way that his inside draw makes it difficult for him is if they go slow and he misses the break, but a horse with the pace he showed to win the Guineas should be in a nice position from the corner.

It's fantastic to see horses you've been involved with sire Derby runners and winners and see them developing into successful stallions, but it just means that I'm starting to show my age!

Kieren Fallon struggles to see past Saxon Warrior in the Investec DerbyCredit: Patrick McCann

Kieren Fallon
Oath (1999), Kris Kin (2003) and North Light (2004)

Saxon Warrior looked a bit special at Newmarket, he ticks all the boxes from a pedigree, form and trainer perspective and is surely going to improve from his first run of the season. Everything about him makes him very tough to beat.

You need a big strong horse like him to get around Epsom, a horse with the right temperament but physically capable of holding his position.

A little horse can struggle around there and although Ramruma [1999 Oaks winner] was small, fillies are different. There are so many challenges at Epsom.

I remember winning from stall one on Oath in 1999 and when it comes to the start at Epsom the draw isn't crucial – it's how you approach the first turn that matters.

The first quarter mile is essential as you come to that chicane and you'll see a lot of interference at that point. If you use up too much horse to get a position going up that hill you will struggle to finish, while at the same time if you don't hold your position you'll get shuffled back to last, like Dancing Brave in 1986. What you do in those early stages determines your entire position.

Epsom was a lucky track for me and the importance of what happens early on in a Derby is something I've always thought about. Some jockeys will, but I guarantee you most won't realise that essential part to approaching the first half of the race.

Once you get to the top of the hill it's a piece of cake from there.

Christy Roche landed the Derby aboard Secreto in 1984, famously getting the better of El Gran SenorCredit: Patrick McCann

Christy Roche
Secreto (1984)

Saxon Warrior looks the real deal and physically I wouldn't have major concerns about the ground inconveniencing him too much.

He obviously looks the one to beat, having showed the best form as a two-year-old and carrying that through to Newmarket last month, but my eye was caught by Delano Roosevelt last time at Leopardstown and I'm interested in seeing how he fares on Saturday.

I was impressed with how he shaped in the Derrinstown Derby Trial and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he turned out to be very decent. He's a big horse and whether he'll act around the track is a question mark, but I'm excited by him.

The reports are very good about Saxon Warrior and he's difficult to get away from, but Delano Roosevelt is one to keep an eye on.

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