IT can be won Nation in today’s Derby.
Godolphin have shelled out £85,000 to supplement Nations Pride (4.30) after his impressive Newmarket Listed victory 36 days ago.
Templegate likes Nations Pride in the Derby
He looks certain to improve for stepping up in distance and Charlie Appleby is becoming the Classic king having won this 12 months ago.
Sir Michael Stoute has an excellent chance of winning the great race for the first time since 2010 with Desert Crown.
This son of Nathaniel looked a superstar in the making when hammering his rivals in the Dante at York last time.
That was just his second start so there should be more to come provided he handles Epsom at this early stage of his career.
Walk Of Stars looks the pick of the big prices and can build on his Lingfield trial second.
Here, Templegate gives his complete guide to every horse in the big race.
3 – CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD
ON Guard. Had plenty in hand when winning the Chester Vase as this trip brought out his best. Not great to see cheekpieces going on but he doesn’t have to improve much to hit the frame.
4 – DESERT CROWN
CROWN fits. Impressive winner of the Dante at York on just his second run, picking up well and powering away. He’s bred to show more over the Derby distance and is the clear pick on what we’ve seen so far.
2 – EL HABEEB
GIVE em El. Was a well-beaten fifth on debut in a Newmarket Listed race last time and needs massive improvement.
2 – GLORY DAZE
IN a Daze. Curragh maiden winner who was held in the Leopardstown Derby Trial last time. Will like any juice in the ground but doesn’t look up to this.
2 – GRAND ALLIANCE
NOT so Grand. Handled track well when second in a Listed race here. Had no luck in running and certain to improve but looks short of this standard.
2 – HOO YA MAL
HOO are ya. Well beaten by Nations Pride at Newmarket last time and needs a major step forward to figure here.
2 – MASEKELA
PASS on Mas. Listed winner who pulled hard in second on comeback before getting upset in the stalls when withdrawn from the Dante. Has talent but this looks a big ask.
3 – NAHANNI
ANNI power. Trainer and jockey won this last year and this Frankel colt won a Listed race here well last time. He stays well and has place claims, especially if the rain comes.
5 – NATIONS PRIDE
PRIDE on side. Supplemented after seven-length win in a Newmarket Listed on comeback. That was impressive and he should improve for stepping up in distance. Has more to offer and a must for the shortlist.
4 – PIZ BADILE
NOT so Bad. Frankie takes over after he won the prestigious Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on comeback. He shapes like a stayer and should improve after just three runs. Each-way player.
3 – ROYAL PATRONAGE
ROYAL flush. Chased home Desert Crown at York having run well in the Guineas. Should stay and each-way chance if building on his Knavesmire run.
3 – SONNY LISTON
SONNY joy. Not won since a Sandown maiden in July but wasn’t disgraced in the Dee Stakes at Chester despite trouble in running. More to come and one of the better at huge prices.
3 – STAR OF INDIA
STAR may shine. Big personal best when winning the Dee Stakes with plenty left. Looks certain to enjoy this longer trip and definitely deserves his place in the line-up.
4 – STONE AGE
STONE rock solid. Market mover since winning the Leopardstown Derby Trial and is clear pick of the Aidan O’Brien team with Ryan Moore. Being a son of Galileo, he’ll stay and like the track. Proven with cut in the ground and is a major player.
3 – WALK OF STARS
WALK on. Not done much wrong and a decent second in the Lingfield Derby Trial despite being green. That race has been a good pointer to this so he’s respected with that under his belt.
2 – WESTOVER
OVER and out. Battled well to win the Sandown trial in a photo and looks likely to see out this longer trip. Has few miles on the clock so should improve but needs a fair bit more.
3 – WEST WIND BLOWS
WILDCARD West. Has only won maidens but clocked a really fast time when winning easily at Nottingham. This is a huge hike in class but he’s up to winning a Group race on the clock.
