Desert Crown heads 21 entries going forward for the Group One Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs (Saturday 4th June) following today’s second scratchings deadline. The premier Classic is being staged for the 243rd time in 2022, when it will form part of the official celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
A son of Nathaniel, Desert Crown made it two victories from as many starts when the impressive winner of the Group Two Dante Stakes at York on 12th May. His trainer Sir Michael Stoute is seeking a sixth Derby victory following Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Kris Kin (2003), North Light (2004) and Workforce (2010). Currently the clear ante-post favourite at around 2-1 Desert Crown is owned by Saeed Suhail, who saw his silks carried to Derby success 19 years ago by Kris Kin.
Aidan O’Brien is already the winning-most trainer in Derby history with eight victories and he has five colts going forward, The Balldoyle quintet includes impressive Group Three Leopardstown Derby Trial scorer Stone Age and Changingoftheguard, who similarly caught the eye when taking the Group Three Chester Vase.
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, seeking a third Derby success in five years following Masar (2018) and Adayar (2021), has two remaining entries – Nahanni, who is already a winner at Epsom Downs this season having taken the Listed Cazoo Blue Riband Trial at the Spring Meeting on April 19th and Walk of Stars, runner-up to United Nations (Aidan O’Brien) in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial on 7th May.
The five-day confirmation and £75,000 supplementary entry stage, which offers a final opportunity to gain a place in the 2022 Cazoo Derby line-up, is on Monday 30th May.
The Cazoo Derby is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
Epsom Downs – Saturday 4th June
4:30pm Cazoo Derby (Group 1) 1m 4f 6y
1 Buckaroo 3 9 2 Qatar Racing Limited Joseph O’Brien Ireland
2 Changingoftheguard (IRE) 3 9 2 Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Aidan O’Brien Ireland
3 Desert Crown 3 9 2 Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
4 Eydon (IRE) 3 9 2 Prince A. A. Faisal Roger Varian
5 Glory Daze (IRE) 3 9 2 Glory Gold Partnership Andy Oliver Ireland
6 Grand Alliance (IRE) 3 9 2 Susan Roy Charlie Fellowes
7 Hoo Ya Mal 3 9 2 Ahmad Al Shaikh Andrew Balding
8 Ivy League (IRE) 3 9 2 Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Aidan O’Brien Ireland
9 Lysander 3 9 2 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Beehives William Haggas
10 Masekela (IRE) 3 9 2 Mick and Janice Mariscotti Andrew Balding
11 Nahanni 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby
12 Piz Badile (IRE) 3 9 2 Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd Donnacha O’Brien Ireland
13 Royal Patronage (FR) 3 9 2 Highclere T’Bred Racing – Woodland Walk Charlie & Mark Johnston
14 Sir Bob Parker (FR) 3 9 2 Michael Watt David Menuisier
15 Sonny Liston (IRE) 3 9 2 Chelsea Thoroughbreds – The Big Bear Charles Hills
16 Star of India (IRE) 3 9 2 M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland
17 Stone Age (IRE) 3 9 2 Peter Brant/Mrs John Magnier/M Tabor Aidan O’Brien Ireland
18 United Nations (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland
19 Walk of Stars 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby
20 Westover 3 9 2 Juddmonte Ralph Beckett
21 West Wind Blows (IRE) 3 9 2 Abdulla Al Mansoori Simon & Ed Crisford
21 entries remain after May 17th scratchings deadline
9 Irish-trained
THE FOLLOWING ENTRIES HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED: Bluegrass (IRE), Cash (IRE), Claymore (FR), Dillian (IRE), Duke de Sessa (IRE), El Bodegon (IRE), Eldar Eldarov, Franz Strauss, French Claim (FR), Green Team (FR), Lionel, Luxembourg (IRE) Magisterial (IRE), Mr McCann (IRE), New London (IRE), Point Lonsdale (IRE) Savvy Victory (IRE), Sea Stone (IRE), Temple of Artemis (IRE), Waterville (IRE), White Wolf, Zechariah (IRE)
Epsom Downs Press Release
