Derby Day

Professional tipster Ben Merritt gives his thoughts on today's racing...

Derby day looks fiendishly difficult! As previously mentioned, I've already nailed my flag to the mast in the Derby and think BIENVENUTO CELLINI will take a lot of beating. Not that he's of any interest to me at 2/1.

A more consistent horse, who has also been working well ahead of this, is SPINNING WHEEL who runs for a bang in form Crisford stable. Having had a slow start to the season, they have really hit form in the last few days and sent out bundles of winners. I'm hoping that this progressive lad will add to that and the booking of James Doyle suggests that a big run is expected too. He's done very little wrong in his career to date, indeed the only time he's been out of the money so far was in a Group 2. He ran a brilliant race last time out, possibly setting fractions that were too quick and only being denied late on by a horse in receipt of a stone in weight. A repeat of that, on a similar track, from a perfect stall for a front runner, shouldn't se him too far away. From stall 1 he'll also be on the best strip of ground which has been saved for this day.

SONDAD done us a turn a couple of times last year, including in this race. Given that he has, historically, improved a bundle from 1st start to the next and was a clear non trier last time out at York, I should imagine that this was an early season target for a while. Drawn terribly at York, he was ridden as no more than a piece of work and made sure to not go close by Paul Mullrennan. Beating everything that raced on his side of the course, he was never out of hands and heels riding. He's higher today, than for his win in this last year, but on the same mark as when a close 2nd in the Ayr Silver Cup at the end of the season. The forecast rain wont be any bother either.

Want more from Ben?

Ben Merritt has shared a couple of his selections with us this week, but that's just a small sample of what is available through The Racing Analyst. His full service includes regular tips, analysis and insight throughout the week.

Racing Weekly readers can also take advantage of an exclusive offer: 20% off plus your first month free using promo code OLDGOLD.

👉 Visit The Racing Analyst