CHARLIE APPLEBY could be claiming another Classic success after his next superstar was cut in the market for the Epsom Derby.
The Godolphin trainer celebrated a one-two in the 2000 Guineas last Saturday when Coroebus led home stablemate Native Trail.
A less eye-catching performance than other Dark Horses is New London, who had to overcome clear greenness to justify favouritism in a 10f maiden at @NewmarketRace in October.
His is dam is a half-sister to the Leger winner Masked Marvel
:@RacingTV pic.twitter.com/LcsFvpEC9Z
— BHA Press Office (@BHAPressOffice) January 26, 2022
Now a key trial for his Derby runner at Chester this week could see him slashed further with a big run.
Coral have already cut New London to 6-1 from 8-1 for the big Flat race next month.
Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg, who finished third in the 2000 Guineas after fluffing the start, is fav for the 1m4f contest.
But he could have competition at the top if New London puts in a big performance in Wednesday’s Chester Vase.
Coral’s David Stevens said: “With the Guineas one-two, Coroebus and Native Trail, looking more likely to stick to a mile for their next assignments, New London is currently Godolphin’s leading Cazoo Derby contender according to the market, and he could well threaten Luxembourg’s position at the head of the Epsom betting with a dominant display at Chester on Wednesday.”
Appleby has started this season where he finished last – winning almost all the big races.
But O’Brien was bullish on Luxembourg after he stayed on well to pick off rivals and grab minor honours at Newmarket.
He said: “I’m delighted with Luxembourg and so was Ryan (Moore).
“He was ready to start and he stepped a bit slow and clipped heels after 50yds so he was further back than he wanted to be.
“Ryan gave him a beautiful ride and they came home very well. The plan was always to come here and then go to the Derby next and he’s always looked as though he would be a middle-distance horse.
“It was a lovely starting race for him and I’d think we’ll go straight to Epsom now.”
Epsom Derby odds
5-2 Luxembourg
6-1 New London
10-1 Reach For The Moon
12 Walk Of Stars
14-1 Coroebus, Native Trail
16-1 Point Lonsdale
20-1 Bayside Boy, Cash, Desert Crown, Eydon, Piz Badile
25-1 El Bodegon, Magisterial, Nahanni, Royal Patronage, Waterville, Westover