Minnie Hauk and Delacroix Emerge as Moore’s Likely Classic Rides at Epsom

[Wandering Eyes]

Cheshire Oaks heroine Minnie Hauk (Frankel) is the likely mount of Ryan Moore in the Betfred Oaks, according to trainer Aidan O'Brien, with the Ballydoyle team also set to call upon the services of Wayne Lordan and Colin Keane on a busy Classic weekend at Epsom.

Speaking on a call hosted by the Jockey Club on Tuesday, O'Brien echoed his recent comments about Delacroix (Dubawi) being the horse most likely to have the benefit of Moore's assistance in Saturday's Betfred Derby, before clarifying the picture somewhat with regards the Oaks, Friday's Classic in which the trainer is also set to saddle Lingfield Oaks Trial scorer Giselle (Frankel) and Musidora Stakes winner Whirl (Wootton Bassett).

Whilst acknowledging that a final decision would likely be left until the very last minute, O'Brien intimated that Moore was leaning towards Minnie Hauk at this stage, with Lordan and Keane set to deputise on whichever fillies are passed over by the stable's number one rider.

“I'd imagine it would probably be Minnie Hauk,” the trainer said of Moore's likely partner. “Obviously, that could change if he changes his mind tomorrow. All three fillies came out of their last races well.

“We liked her [Minnie Hauk] last year. She had the two runs and won the second time. She's a lovely, straightforward filly and we think she's come forward loads from Chester. She was just ready to start there. We had to try and get a run into her somewhere before the Oaks and that suited perfectly. We knew it wouldn't be too demanding of her and she would learn plenty from it.”

O'Brien also confirmed that Delacroix will be joined in the Derby by The Lion In Winter (Sea The Stars) and Lambourn (Australia), with his Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master, who remained in contention at Monday's confirmation stage, said to be unlikely to take his chance at Epsom.

Last seen winning the Leopardstown Derby Trial by nearly three lengths, Delacroix is the sponsor's 5/2 favourite to provide O'Brien with a record-extending 11th win in the Derby, while The Lion In Winter is available to back at 6/1 after finishing only sixth on his return to action in the Dante Stakes at York, having headed the market throughout the winter after going unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile. Chester Vase winner Lambourn, who was previously runner-up to Delacroix in March's Ballysax Stakes, is a 14/1 chance.

“I think so,” O'Brien confirmed when asked whether Moore was expected to come down in favour of Delacroix, before attentions turned to the tactics likely to be employed on the son of Dubawi and champion racemare Tepin.

“He's a straightforward horse and uncomplicated, we think. I would imagine if he [Moore] does ride him, he probably would ride him forward, but he'll decide that himself when the gates open.

“We always viewed him last year as a potential Derby horse. Obviously, he started off in the Ballysax and then went on to the Derby Trial. We were very happy with both runs, we found out that he stayed a mile and a quarter, and there's every chance that he will get the mile and a half. You're never sure until you do it, but his sister by Galileo [Grateful] got a mile and six [furlongs] well and we always thought there was a good chance that he would.”

The post Minnie Hauk and Delacroix Emerge as Moore’s Likely Classic Rides at Epsom appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article