Haydock 14:40 – Kryptos
KRYPTOS was a horse I had on my radar for the Lincoln in 2018 before an injury resulted in him being off the track for just short of three years, but there was plenty of encouragement in his comeback run at Newmarket to suggest that his ability remains intact.
He travelled really powerfully through the race and was last off the bridle before the absence took its toll and he weakened out of it.
He had original favourite for this race, Shelir, behind that day and while Shelir ran a cracker at Royal Ascot, I believe there is every chance that Kryptos can hold up the form.
Epsom 16:15 – Fooraat
Cloak Of Spirits puts the 1,000 Guineas form further to the test here, but to date the form has been let down and she is worth taking on with FOORAAT.
Very well bred being by Dubawi out of Prix De l’Opera winner Nahrain, she is also a full sister to Benbatl and comes into this race unbeaten in two starts. She got off the mark at Newcastle on debut with subsequent winners Tulip Fields (now rated 92) & Time Voyage (now rated 78) well behind.
It is her win under a penalty at Chelmsford that marked her down as something potentially special, when she bolted up by 7 lengths in a really quick time and a fast sectional. I reckon she can take the step up in grade in her stride and I can see her being very strong in the market as well.
Epsom 16:55 – English King
ENGLISH KING has long been my fancy for the Derby and I still believe it will take a good colt to beat him.
While the draw in one is tricky, he does have the best man onboard in Frankie Dettori to navigate his way through the race and if English King doesn’t win, I won’t be using the draw as an excuse. He was very impressive when breaking his maiden over 10 furlongs up in Newcastle, when the steady pace would have been against him considering his track position.
He still made the ground up effortlessly and won despite only being pushed out. That form is solid with the second, third and fifth all winning next time, but it is at Lingfield that English King displayed his Derby credentials.
Again held up, this time the pace was far stronger and he cruised into the straight. Then when Tom Marquand pushed the button he quickened up in impressive fashion, to again win under just hands and heels.
The time and sectionals that day were top class and you feel there is more to come. Provided he can get a clear run of things, I really think it will take a good one to beat him.
Yarmouth 19:25 – Rovaniemi
ROVANIEMI was well backed on debut when running really well against a horse with previous experience and that just seemed to catch him out with him finishing second.
The one that beat him was Johan and that horse is rated 96 now. Rovaniemi improved for that run to get off the mark on his second start, this time on the all-weather at Lingfield. Again, he travelled well and put the race to bed with minimum of fuss.
He made his handicap debut at Kempton a few weeks ago off a mark of 82 and shaped really well despite appearing to need it.
David Simcock’s horses have been needing the run and I expect Rovaniemi to take a big step forward here. He is one that can rate a fair bit higher than his current mark.
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Frank Hickey’s tips summary:
Haydock 14:40 – Kryptos
Epsom 16:15 – Fooraat
Epsom 16:55 – English King
Yarmouth 19:25 – Rovaniemi
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Horse Racing Tips: Matt Chapman’s magnificent 7 for Derby Day at Epsom
- Horse Racing Tips: A runner-by-runner guide for the 2020 Epsom Oaks
- Epsom Derby start time: When does Saturday’s feature race get underway?
- Horse Racing Tips: Jason Weaver’s Super 7 selections for Epsom Derby Day