WORLD Pool is in operation for a second successive day at Epsom, with all eight races on Derby Day being globally commingled.
I’m keen to play in the feature and take advantage of the potential for healthy overpays offered by the global pools, and you can too by betting with the Tote.
BENVENUTO CELLINI spearheads the Ballydoyle challenge this year and has the services of Ryan Moore in the saddle.
He disappointed at Doncaster on heavy ground at the end of last season but looked a much-improved performer on his reappearance when stepped up to this trip in the Group Three Chester Vase.
Last year’s Derby victor, Lambourn, won that race en route to Classic glory and Benvenuto Cellini could further enhance the good record of the race for producing Derby winners.
He shaped there like a colt with the profile required for this contest and might take a good deal of beating.
The going was officially good-to-soft at Epsom on Friday, but with rain forecast we could see those conditions deteriorate.
That would certainly suit PIERRE BONNARD,another leading contender from the Aidan O’Brien stable.
He is the only Group One winner in the field, and has proven form on testing ground.
He demonstrated that when winning the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud on heavy ground as a two-year-old, staying on powerfully to win.
With Ballydoyle likely to employ strong pace tactics through one or more stablemates, the race could develop into a severe stamina examination, which would play firmly to his strengths.
He offers more value than the favourite and should have every chance under Christophe Soumillon, so he would be the selection in the Win and Place markets with World Pool.
Fresh from landing the Oaks yesterday, Joseph O’Brien also has a Derby chance with sound claims in JAMES J BRADDOCK.
He got the better of Pierre Bonnard in Group Three company at the Curragh last month, staying on strongly to prevail close home.
The step up to this mile-and-a-half trip should suit, with his stamina and willing attitude making him particularly interesting if conditions become testing.
Combine him and Benvenuto Cellini with main selection Pierre Bonnard in a World Pool Quinella for the chance of a good payout if any two of those three finish first and second.
Later on the card, in the HKJC World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap (5.20pm), take a chance in the World Pool Win and Place markets that GIVE IT TO ME OJ can extend his unbeaten course record.
He has been successful on both his previous visits to Epsom over this distance and he clearly enjoys this unconventional track.
Despite twice winning over hurdles over two miles, he didn’t quite see out that distance on the Flat at Goodwood two weeks ago when he was a little fresh in the early stages.
He should relax better over this shorter trip and softer ground would also be in his favour.
Apprentice jockey Toby Moore, son of Ryan, takes off his useful seven-pound weight allowance and he looks to have a fair chance.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Pierre Bonnard (Win and Place) 4.00pm Epsom
Pierre Bonnard, Benvenuto Cellini, James J Braddock (Quinella) 4.00pm Epsom
Give It To Me Oj (Win and Place) 5:20pm Epsom
