More Wathnan Racing purchases

Christmas Day supplied Aidan O'Brien with his twelfth victory in the Epsom Derby on Saturday. However, it was his stablemate Benvenuto Cellini who captured the headlines afterwards with the favourite deemed a non runner in controversial fashion. It was reported that Ryan Moore's mount had got his hind leg on the structure of the stalls when they opened and his chance was compromised. Despite forfeiting ground, the Frankel colt was close enough if good enough coming down the hill but failed to pick up in the homestraight. The stewards declared him a non runner and punters were refunded, plus a 25p in the pound deduction was announced on winning bets. It was a ridiculous decision. Would the O'Brien colt been deemed a non runner if he had finished second or third? Emily Upjohn stumbled coming of the stalls and forfeited many lengths before getting within a short head of Tuesday in the Epsom Oaks in 2022. John Gosden's filly wasn't declared a non runner. 

That decision summed up the afternoon, which was spoiled by the weather, too. It rained throughout the day at the Surrey track with the runners in the Coronation Cup strung out more akin to a three mile chase. Dual Group 2 winner Illinois was beaten after half a mile, Convergent was in trouble approaching Tattenhall Corner and Calandagan was treading water before passing the two furlongs marker. It was an unedifying spectacle.

As regards the Derby itself, Christmas Day handled the conditions and is a proven soft ground performer. However, the son of Camelot was hard to fancy having been put firmly in his place in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York on his previous start. It was difficult to see him reversing the form with either Item (didn't handle the ground on Saturday) or Action who finished in front of him on the Knavesmire. Maltese Cross and Bay of Brilliance dominated the finish of the Lingfield Derby Trial and they both ran crackers in second and fourth respectively. The pair look St Leger horses and should have no trouble staying further on better ground. 

The fact the 83 rated maiden Alderman finished fifth only seven and a quarter lengths behind Christmas Day tells us everything we need to know. The 2026 Epsom Derby was a forgetable affair and not too disimilar to another Ballydoyle winner Serpentine six years ago. 

Thankfully, we have Royal Ascot to look forward to, which gets underway on Tuesday 16th June. Wathnan Racing were responsible for five winners at last years meeting and they have put together another strong team for the 2026 version. I received news on Sunday that they have added progressive three year olds Lost Boys (David Menuisier) and Tierro Del Toro (Ralph Beckett) to their squad. The pair finished first and third in the London Gold Cup at Newbury last month and are set to play a leading role in their respective targets at the Royal meeting.

Just a reminder that the Royal Ascot Update will be emailed to clients next Sunday (14th June). In addition to full analysis of the five day meeting, I have news of nearly 20 unraced juveniles to watch out for in the coming weeks and months. If you haven't ordered the 3 Ahead On The Flat Updates, please go to the Publications section of the site.