Sir Michael Stoute and the owners of Passenger will be wishing they had the benefit of hindsight.
They’re set to fork out an enormous £85,000 just to get their Epsom Derby hopeful into Saturday’s field, as he wasn’t given an entry to the race.
Sir Michael Stoute, the trainer of Passenger
That £85,000 may look like a drop in the ocean in six days time, however, as winner of this year’s Derby scoops up £850,000.
It’s very easy to see why Sir Michael Stoute has supplemented him, given how unlucky he was in the Dante Stakes at York.
That race is a key trial for the Derby and on just his second racecourse visit, Passenger arguably should have won.
His jockey Richard Kingscote was forced to sit and suffer as he waited for room at a key stage and when he did get a gap, it was far too late.
Passenger flew home for fourth, indicating that a step up to the Derby trip of 1m4f would be perfect for him.
The bookies clearly agreed, making him a general 13-2 shot for the Derby, and he’s now into 5-1 third-favourite after connections announced their intention.
He’s likely to be popular with punters in the lead up to the race, as he represents last year’s winning trainer and jockey combination.
Desert Crown also went to the Derby with just two runs under his belt, so a lack of experience should not put you off him.
Sir Michael Stoute is a master with these types and the fact he’s intending to supplement him suggests connections are confident of a big run.
The market is headed by Military Order – a general 3-1 shot – the brother of gambled on 2021 winner Adayar.
Auguste Rodin, who flopped in the 2,000 Guineas on reappearance, remains second-favourite for Aidan O’Brien, who is looking for a record-extending ninth win in the third Classic of the Flat season.
