The Derby is consistently one of the most loved events of the racing calendar, and 2018 suggests nothing will change.
Five days out from Saturday’s race, the odds are stacked in favour of the supremely talented Saxon Warrior, with Roaring Lion and Young Rascal thought to be in hot pursuit.
Saxon Warrior has been outstanding in his short career, the three-year-old unbeaten in four starts. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt has a number of notable scalps under his belt though, notably the Racing Post Trophy Stakes (captured at Doncaster last year) and the 2000 Guineas, won at Newmarket earlier this month.
With odds of 8/11, the phenom seems to be heavily fancied by the bookies.
Nonetheless, Roaring Lion is a worthy competitor. Under the tutelage of John Gosden, an impressive four-and-a-half lengths win at York last week has left the horse in good stead for Britain’s richest horse race.
Masar will run the charge for Charlie Appleby after placing third in the 2000 Guineas, and is available at a reasonable price given the horse’s pedigree.
O’Brien commands much of the field, including Delano Roosevelt, Kew Gardens, The Pentagon, Nelson, Rostropovich and Zabriskie in addition to Saxon Warrior.
