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Our man speaks to those closest to Derby hope Mohaafeth on his emotional bid for Epsom glory

, Our man speaks to those closest to Derby hope Mohaafeth on his emotional bid for Epsom glory

WHAT is fantastic about horse racing is it gets you. It can make you cry, it can make you smile and it can make the heart thump. 

Such are the high emotions behind Cazoo Derby hope Mohaafeth that those closest to the horse believe that they have already ‘won’ the world’s greatest Flat race.

Matt Chapman looks ahead to a thrilling Cazoo Derby

Mohaafeth runs at Epsom a week today for Shadwell Estate Company Ltd, but that’s only because of the tragic passing of racing legend Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum, whose famous blue and white colours are carried by the horse. 

Don’t get me wrong here. This is not about smugness. The ‘winning’ is getting Mohaafeth to the race. 

Sheikha Hissa, Sheikh Hamdan’s daughter, told me: “I was reminded time and time again how my father insisted on buying Mohaafeth when his advisers were split on the decision. I’ve also heard that William Haggas told my father that Mohaafeth would be his Derby horse, and everyone has worked so hard at Shadwell and Somerville Lodge to make sure that happens.” 

Anyone who follows Hissa on social media will know that on a daily basis she messages about her father. His loss is raw. The bond and respect between them is clear for all to see. 

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Sheikha Hissa added: “I can’t describe what it would mean to us if Mohaafeth wins, but as we’re going through final preparations for the Derby with a horse my father picked himself, I feel like we’ve already won.” 

That’s true passion. 

I actually believe now is the time to back Mohaafeth, a son of Frankel who was so impressive last time he looked like Frankel! 

The reason, quite simply, is the weather.

Mohaafeth has bolted into Derby contention with two taking wins

Mohaafeth is top priced at 9-1, with many punters having been put off his chance by the UK’s daily cocktail of miserable conditions. 

Because of that, backers fear he won’t run, something hinted at by Haggas, who said: “If it’s soft I would be very keen not to run and wait until Ascot.” 

But we have now just edged into a veritable heatwave, and there’s nigh on no rain forecast at Epsom before Derby day. Come start time, the chances are the going will be on the fast side. 

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Jockey Jim Crowley told me: “I worked Mohaafeth on Wednesday morning and he worked with quite a decent lead horse. That was on soft ground, and he coped with it. If we get at least good ground it will be great.”

I predict Mohaafeth’s price will shorten in the days ahead as people cotton on to a change in Epsom going. 

That’s not to say next week he’ll be my Derby selection. I just think there might be value out there right now. 

Crowley gives me hope that is the case, as he clearly loves Mohaafeth who landed the Listed Newmarket Stakes on the snaff. 

“He gave me a very good feel that day,” Crowley enthused. “The ground was on the quicker side which he enjoyed. I honestly don’t know how good he is – but it’s a very open Derby and I think he will handle the track. He has a serious turn of foot.” 

, Our man speaks to those closest to Derby hope Mohaafeth on his emotional bid for Epsom glory

Jim Crowley will again don the famous blue and white Shadwell colours

Asked how Mohaafeth would compare with his very talented older stable companion, Al Aasy, the oh-so-impressive winner of his last two starts at Newbury and heading to the Coronation Cup, Crowley added: “Mohaafeth would have a lot more speed than Al Aasy who could be a real King George horse. 

“It would just be wonderful for myself and Shadwell Stud (owner) if we could win the Derby. Sheikh Hamdan has left a huge legacy.”

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The Derby hasn’t been getting the publicity it deserves, but one man who still believes it’s an awesome race is Ahmad Alshaikh, whose Green Team Racing owned the second last year in Khalifa Sat. 

This time around, Ahmad relies on Chester winner Youth Spirit trained by Andrew Balding. The owner’s enthusiasm is infectious.

, Our man speaks to those closest to Derby hope Mohaafeth on his emotional bid for Epsom glory

Youth Spirit looks a lively Derby outsider after his impressive win at Chester

“The Derby means a lot for me,” Ahmad told me. “Every winner we have is a dream to win the Derby whether a small winner or a big winner. 

“I started in racing with the dream to win the Derby and I will still dream to win the Derby as long as I continue in the sport. Always I buy horses for the long distance. I buy them for the Derby.” 

Ahmad continued: “Youth Spirit is a horse I like a lot. Andrew Balding called me when he first got the horse and he said he was delighted with him and thought a lot about him. 

“We weren’t sure he was a mile and a half horse until he ran at Chester but then he won there. Now I am happy I can have a runner in the Derby.” 

The Derby is hotting up. Just like the weather.

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

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