The Derby is upon us.

Auguste Rodin winning the Juvenile Stakes

Auguste Rodin is an uneasy favourite after the “non-event” that was his Guineas run. He was a top two-year-old winning the Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown on soft ground before taking the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on heavy ground promoting him to favourtism for this all through the winter.

White Birch winning the Ballsax in April

Arrest with Frankie Dettori on board for his last Derby ride could well vie for pole position in the market given he won the Coronation Cup and the Oaks yesterday. A winner of the Chester Vase from Adelaide River on return this year, he’d run second in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud last year.

Military Order won the Lingfield Derby Trial in good order however the Dante was probably the key trial. The Foxes won it with White Birch second and Passenger dead-heating for third. While Passenger was unlucky not getting a clear run the one to take out of the race was White Birch who ran on to great effect coming from last to challenge late. He’d done the same in the Ballysax but winning it. The step up in trip will surely suit.

The faith in Auguste Rodin has been palpable. He can bounce back and in the final battle, he may get the better of White Birch for an Irish one-two.

Recommendation

Auguste Rodin 9/2 win

White Birch 12/1 ew

Auguste Rodin and White Birch (RFC)