Epsom Derby Day Betting: Can Jan be denied?

The Derby / Alex Steedman / 04 June 2010 / Leave a Comment

Can Jan Vermeer land more Derby glory for Ballydoyle under blue skies at Epsom?

"My Derby 123 is Midas Touch to beat Jan Vermeer and Bullet Train."

Racing UK's Alex Steedman wonders whether Jan Vermeer really is nailed on for Epsom glory and looks at the highlights of the betting on Derby day

He may be the red hot Derby favourite at [3.25] but for so many months Jan Vermeer wasn't even considered the best in his own stable. Such was the overbearing shadow cast by St Nicholas Abbey that Johnny Murtagh's latest squeeze was largely unknown. Strange that, given he was a stylish winner of the Criterium International last season and that he remains the only Group 1 winner in today's line up.

The truth is that Jan Vermeer has long been Ballydoyle's best kept secret but the cat was out of the bag after his stylish win in the Gallinule on Irish Guineas weekend. Yes, he was beating up on Listed horses and the time was slow, but Jan Vermeer gave them weight as well as an absolute spanking and that off a frantic pace. He's by Derby sire of the moment Montjeu and the dam is related to stayers and hurdle winners, so there really ought not to be an issue regarding stamina but my eyes tell me I saw a very quick horse that day. That Jan Vermeer was entered in races like the St James's Palace and the Eclipse makes we wonder still who he really is. The fact remains he looks the best horse in the race and if he stays the trip then he wins. But I do wonder.

There are no such concerns regarding Midas Touch who looked a useful though not special horse when landing the Derrinstown Derby Trial, a race won by Sindaar, Galileo and High Chaparral en route to Epsom. He did though record a fast time and looks a powerful galloper capable of running through the pain barrier and that will see him involved.

Bullet Train doesn't look good enough on the book but to me he appeared to take one sizeable leap forward when winning the trial at Lingfield. Visually he looked a different horse to the one beaten at Newbury and he reminds me a little of 2003 Derby winner Commander In Chief who was a 3yr old bloomer also for Henry Cecil.

My Derby 123 is Midas Touch to beat Jan Vermeer and Bullet Train.

Other punting opportunities include the opening 13:40 which Sir Michael Stoute has scalped three times in the last six years, including Conduit in 2008. His Verdant looked a horse to follow when winning at Sandown in April and although beaten at Newbury last time he was compromised by his backward position. He's better than that and this half brother to Main Aim is worth backing again.

Later in the 16:45, I have had to concede I was hasty in writing off Cill Rialaig last season. On the back of two NHF wins I was a little disappointed with her opening stanzas on the Flat but as soon as Professor Morrison got her handicapped she took off, winning three times. But the real Eureka moment came here at Epsom on her reappearance behind Alainmaar. The winner is a Group horse, the runner-up won next time at York's May meeting where the 3rd was also subsequently placed, so it is strong form and Cill Rialaig could even improve up in distance. I really fancy her chances.

Recommended Bets:
The Derby - Midas Touch to place, 5pts
13:40 - Verdant to win, 2pts
16:55 - Cill Rialaig to win, 5pts