RACE DAY INTERNATIONAL - KENTUCKY SPECIAL

Toby Darby heads to the USA and Churchill Downs as he previews both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. 01:40 CHURCHILL DOWNS – KENTUCKY OAKS

Zany was impressive on her first three outings before losing her unbeaten streak last time out in the Ashland Stakes to the reopposing Percy’s Bar. The winner stuck to the rail the whole way round, got a split turning for home, and wasn’t for catching, whereas Zany had to go three wide and was caught out in a slowly run race.

As always in these big races, there will be plenty of early pace, which should play into the hands of those sitting off it in behind, Zany being one of them. At a huge price, Pashmina caught my eye. Usually ridden with restraint, she made the lead last time and was only caught by Always A Runner, with the pair pulling well clear. Considering one is 50/1 and the other is single figures, and with extra places on offer, I’ll have a small each-way bet.

ZANY (WIN) PASHMINA (E/W)

23:57 CHURCHILL DOWNS – KENTUCKY DERBY

It’s a shame the long-time ante-post favourite Paladin doesn’t line up here, as he would have been a strong fancy of mine. He beat current favourite Renegade convincingly the two times they met, although Renegade does seem to have taken a step forward of late. Stall 1, however, really hampers his chances.

I think the winner will come from the Florida Derby. That’s not saying much, as three of the first five in the betting contested that race and all had prior form with each other. Commandment collared The Puma late, with Chief Wallabee in between the pair in third. It is the latter who will be my selection, he travelled best into the race and had to switch in behind runners, but by then the momentum was already with the winner. With a clearer run, I believe he is the better horse.

Another at a huge price is Six Speed. He is a likely pace-setter, as seen in the UAE Derby. They won’t want to give him too much rope in front because he won’t come back easily. It’s tough to know how the form matches up, but I can’t let him go unbacked with extra places available.

CHIEF WALLABEE (WIN) SIX SPEED (E/W)

written by Toby Darby