This weekend features the Belmont Derby and Belmont Oaks and there is a strong European interest in both races.
The inaugural running of the Grade 1 Belmont Derby has attracted two smart colts in Toast Of New York and Adelaide. Jamie Osborne has had his ups and downs in his fourteen years of training but the highlight must have been Toast Of New York’s victory in the UAE Derby.
Osborne is more used to peddling his wares at Southwell and Wolverhampton than Belmont Park but he goes there with a real chance of glory. If you believe some of the reports coming out of his yard, the horse only has to arrive in one piece to take the prize. Osborne was sorely tempted to run the colt at Epsom but had a change of heart and decided to target the Belmont prize. Jamie Spencer was in the saddle in Dubai and will take the ride again on Saturday.
Of course there are always concerns with such an ambitious target and Aidan O’Brien’s Adelaide will be high on the list. He was second at Royal Ascot and there is no telling just how good Eagle Top may turn out to be. The John Gosden-trained winner showed an electric turn of foot for a middle distance horse and it will be interesting to see him clash with Australia later in the year.
Pornichet was trained in France until being snapped up by Gai Waterhouse and finished third in the French 2000 Guineas. If he stays the extra two furlongs, he will be a big threat. Toast Of New York will be having his first start since March but he looked a top class colt in the making in Dubai and it will be disappointing for all concerned if he cannot take this.
Aidan O’Brien saddles Wonderfully in the Belmont Oaks but she looks a bit out of her depth and preference is for Xcellence. She was third to Avenir Certain in the French 1000 Guineas and French Oaks and can win this for Francois Doumen.
Flying Jib won a Group 3 over 7f at the Curragh and may be the pick of the Irish duo while the home defence is led by dual Grade 1 winner Room Service.
Taste Of New York at 3-1 Skybet
Xcellence at 3-1 Paddy Power, William Hill
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
