Could this be one of the weakest 3-y-o middle distance crops in recent times? 2011 was pretty weak, 2013 as well, and now there isn't a clear winner of the Derby in 2016.
There has been nothing in the way of standout performances in any of the Derby trials in Britain and Ireland recently.
US Army Ranger's controversial win in the Chester Vase after winning what now looks like a weak maiden on debut, Port Douglas was a good juvenile and was probably the better horse when 2nd to US Army Ranger.
Moonlight Magic emerged from the shadows with a decent performance in the Derrinstown yesterday and is a three quater brother to Sea The Stars, he looks Ireland's best chance.
There isn't a standout chance for Aiden O'Brien in my opinion. I feel that US Army Ranger has been talked up a lot but not really shown much to convince. Idaho, Beacon Rock and Shogun are basically racing themselves for place spots whilst being beaten by other horses.
Harzand was impressive in the Ballysax, but has won on heavy ground and will probably go for the Irish Derby. Tirmizi looked very promising at the start of the season but then didn't show much yesterday although he was still showing some condition, he could improve again.
Marcel could be a forgotten horse, he was originally seen as a Derby horse, but was then aimed at the Guineas where he finished last. He could be better over a longer trip.
Humphrey Bogart won the Lingfield trial in a bunch finish, but can anyone else see a horse that had only won a maiden and a 6 furlong sales race at Doncaster winning a Derby? Laughable. In that same race, Across The Stars caught my eye as a strong stayer and could run a good race at Epsom if he goes there.
To summarise, the Derby is a really tough race to pick a winner in this year. Thursday will tell us a lot more in the Dante Stakes at York, Midterm is the current favourite for the Derby and goes to York but I haven't seen the full lineup.
I did a few ante-post Derby bets before the Derrinstown yesterday, Tirmizi, Across The Stars and Port Douglas.
Says it all.
Cheers