SERPENTINE’S marmite Derby win may not have been the fluke many have said it was.
The 25-1 Epsom hero made all under rookie Emmet McNamara to win a record eighth Derby for Aidan O’Brien.
And the Irish maestro might just have a star on his hands according to the handicapper – not just a flash in the pan.
The BHA mathematicians have Serpentine’s win rated 2lbs higher than last year’s renewal, won by stablemate Anthony Van Dyck.
But it was Love’s win in the Oaks that really got the handicapper excited – rating her as the joint-best winner of the Classic this century with Enable.
Mark Olley, of the BHA, said: “Serpentine certainly had the run of the race in the Derby where the first three home were mainly in those positions throughout.
“Like Love his official rating will be published in Ireland, but my initial figure is 120 which is 2lbs above Anthony Van Dyck last year.
“Love added the star quality, following up her 1000 Guineas win with a scintillating display, run in a record time, in the Oaks.
“I have her running to 122 which equals Enable in 2017 as the best we have seen this century.”
