DESPITE earning quotes of 14-1 for the Investec Derby, Sir Michael Stoute’s Highest Ground is far from certain to line up at Epsom.
He made it two from two with a smart performance at Haydock on Tuesday – seeing off John Gosden’s 4-9 jolly Waldkonig – and connections now have a nice headache on their hands with the Classic only ten days away.
The son of Frankel has been kept off the track with niggles since his debut win at Leicester, but improved markedly to stay on best over the ten furlongs at Haydock.
Jockey Ryan Moore was impressed but will leave the Derby call to Stoute and the Niarchos family. Moore will ride for Aidan O’Brien anyway, but may be able to guide connections to what they have on their hands.
Alan Cooper, racing manager for the Niarchos Family, said: “His return to competition has been delayed until today, and he’s done it very nicely. Everyone’s patience and care of the horse has been rewarded.
“He made a good impression on his debut, and it’s nice to see him following up with another nice impression on his second start.”
“I’d have thought the Derby might be too soon – but let’s have a chance to speak with Sir Michael. I think the Derby is too soon in 10 days.
“He could stay a mile and a half. Frankel can get them to go all trips, and on the dam’s side it’s more limited up to a mile than a mile and a half, but if you dig deep down in the pedigree there is a mare that stayed a mile and a half.
“I think the trip today was ideal. Let’s get the horse home and see what Sir Michael would like to do.”
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