Ryan Moore can land fifth Derby win on Benvenuto Cellini Itv 7
Hollie Doyle has tipped Ryan Moore to be on the right horse in itv 7 at Epsom on Saturday, saying Benvenuto Cellini looks the one for the Betfred Derby. She also said she is recovering from the broken leg she suffered in a fall at Bath, with rehabilitation at Oaksey House in Lambourn ahead of her.
Benvenuto Cellini at Epsom
Doyle said Moore can register his fifth victory on Benvenuto Cellini after the colt’s dominant success in the Chester Vase last month. She added that the only question mark over him could be the rain-softened ground, but that Aidan O'Brien has saddled two stand-out performers in Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre Bonnard in the Derby.
She also named Maltese Cross, ridden by her husband Tom Marquand, as another with strong credentials for the 4.00 race at Epsom, pointing to stall one as a useful draw. Bay Of Brilliance, she said, has proven form on soft ground if the weather continues to influence the surface.
Doyle Recovery After Bath
The injury update was just as direct. Doyle said the operation on Tuesday to repair a pilon fracture in her left leg seemed to have gone well, and her leg had been stabilised with a metal plate. She said she must rest it for six weeks before any weight-bearing exercise begins.
“It feels so good to be back home to continue my recovery from the broken leg I suffered in that horrible fall at Bath.”
She added: “I can't wait until I can start my rehabilitation at Oaksey House in Lambourn - an excellent facility that I'm very lucky to have so close to home.” Doyle said it was too soon to say how long she would be out of action, but her return will now run through that six-week rest period before any work starts at Oaksey House.
Rain And Race Cards
The weather has also complicated the Derby day picture. Doyle said the rain that had fallen on the Surrey Downs is a major concern for Calandagan in the Group One Coolmore Coronation Cup at 2.40, and said his participation may yet be in doubt.
She said Jan Brueghel beat Calandagan in that race last year, while Convergent was impressive in the John Porter at Newbury. In the Group Three Betfred Tattenham Corner Stakes at 1.30, she said Never So Brave would be hard to beat if he can reproduce the form that took him to victory in the City Of York Stakes at York last August, and that he should be sharper for his return in the Bet365 Mile at Sandown in late April.
Alcantor, she added, has winning form at this level on soft ground in France, giving the day several runners with a clear preference for conditions if the rain keeps coming. For Doyle, though, the main thread stays with Benvenuto Cellini and the chance for Moore to add another Derby to his record.
