Thursday, June 4, 2009

Derby entries set for Epsom epic

INVESTEC DERBY
Venue: Epsom Date: 6 June Time: 1545 BST
Raceday coverage: Live on BBC One and BBC Sport website from 1315 to 1620, and on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Preview programme: 1930-2000, BBC Two and BBC Sport website.


Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs prepares for the Classic race

The 13 entries for the Derby have stood their ground for the Classic following the 48-hour declaration stage.

John Oxx's 2,000 Guineas hero Sea The Stars leads the betting for the mile-and-a-half Group One spectacle.

Aidan O'Brien's Rip Van Winkle, fourth in the Guineas, and Derrinstown Derby Trial winner Fame And Glory have also been well backed for Saturday's race.

They are joined from Ballydoyle by Age Of Aquarius, Black Bear Island, Golden Sword and Masterofthehorse.

Jim Bolger's Gan Amhras, Brian Meehan's Crowded House, Godolphin's Kite Wood, Epsom winner Debussy, Montaff and Dee Stakes winner South Easter complete the line-up.

606: DEBATE

Crowded House's joint-owner Paul Reddam is hopeful that his colt can bounce back after a disappointing show in the Dante Stakes.

"It was only yesterday when I arrived in England that I found out he was going to run at Epsom and it was very exciting to hear that," said Reddam.

"First and foremost we hope the brilliance he showed as a two-year-old comes back out of him. York was a fiasco every which way so I think there is a concern about which Crowded House will turn up.

"He missed a little bit of time after the Dante as he wasn't quite right but he seems to be on his game now so we hope for a good run. I'm not saying he will win but certainly you can't win if you're not in.

Crowded House, a one-time favourite Derby, is a 25-1 outsider for the premier Classic.

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