Kevin Blake Puts James J Braddock Third in Derby 1-2-3
james j braddock has been named number three in Kevin Blake’s Derby 1-2-3 for Saturday’s £2 million race at Epsom. The ITV Racing pundit and co-owner has again used his own stride data to sort the field, and the selection pushes an outsider into a race that can still reshape reputations with one strong run.
Blake said Braddock could improve further in professionalism and for the step up to this trip. He put Benvenuto Cellini first and Christmas Day second, but Braddock’s place in the top three is the pick that pulls the eye because it comes after the horse earned his start by beating Aidan O’Brien contender Pierre Bonnard last time out.
Kevin Blake’s Derby order
“In number three I am putting James J Braddock,” Blake said. “I think he is open to further improvement both in terms of his professionalism and for the step up to this trip and his form looks strong.” That is the clearest reason the horse has been lifted into the frame for Epsom, where every line in the market is being tested before Saturday’s run.
Blake’s top call was Benvenuto Cellini, whom he described as “absolutely brilliant at Chester.” He added: “I think he’s going to relish the test that the Derby presents and as long as it doesn’t rain too much I think he is going to be very difficult to beat.” Christmas Day sits second in his order, and Blake said the horse would relish the step up in trip and any ease in the ground.
Stride data and last year
Blake’s approach is not new. Last year he dismissed the favourite and backed Lambourn, Lady Griff and Tennessee Stud in his Derby selections, and the tricast landed when Lambourn won ahead of Lazy Griff and Tennessee Stud. That payout came back at £8,294.72, with the trifecta returning £3,431.20.
He used his own stride data then as well, and that same method is part of why this year’s list has drawn attention. Braddock’s name carries another layer too: he is named after the boxer who was world heavyweight champion between 1935 and 1937, and Blake said there is “a bit of symmetry there” because “He was a 10-1 shot when he won the heavyweight title and James J Braddock is a 10-1 shot now.”
Braddock’s Epsom push
There is also the immediate form line. Braddock got into the Derby picture by defeating Pierre Bonnard last time out, and that result is what gives Blake a reason to keep him in the conversation rather than treat him as a novelty selection. The added goodwill around the horse has clearly made an impression on his co-owner.
“There seems to be a lot of good will for the horse, which is fantastic,” Blake said. “I think he fits the bill a little bit.” For anyone following the Derby build-up, that leaves Braddock as more than a sentimental mention: he is Blake’s third choice in a race worth £2 million, with the pundit’s record already carrying the weight of an 8,000-1 success from last year.
