Fri 4 Jun 2021
Bolshoi Ballet has already followed a path trodden by two of Aidan O’Brien’s greats as he seeks to further emulate Galileo and High Chaparral by providing his trainer with a ninth victory in the Cazoo Derby.
It is 20 years since O’Brien secured his first victory in the premier Classic with the mighty Galileo, before following up 12 months later High Chaparral.
With long-time ante-post favourite High Definition and several other colts not declared, O’Brien saddles just one runner in the Derby for the first time since 2004 – perhaps indicative of the confidence behind him.
Like Galileo and High Chaparral, Bolshoi Ballet has warmed up for his Epsom date on Saturday by winning the two key Irish trials at Leopardstown – the Ballysax Stakes and the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.
Back in its familiar June slot after last year s event was bumped a month to July due to the pandemic, the 2021 edition of this English Classic marks the 242nd running of this iconic race.
Restricted to 3-year-old Thoroughbreds, a total of 12 horses have been declared for this afternoon s race, with trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Bolshoi Ballet – the son of 2001 Epsom Derby winner Galileo – leading the pack as favourite following recent back-to-back wins at Leopardstown.
Coming up next with the bookies is Irish 2000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney and Fairway Stakes winner John Leeper following High Definition’s withdrawal. Also strongly tipped are Mohaafeth and Hurricane Lane following their success in the Newmarket Stakes and Dante Stakes respectively.
Cazoo Derby report, reaction, analysis and FREE video replay: Adayar wins for Adam Kirby and Godolphin
By David Ord
17:41 · SAT June 05, 2021
Adayar, Godolphin s third string, ran out an easy winner of the Cazoo Derby under Adam Kirby, who replaced Oisin Murphy aboard Charlie Appleby s colt.
The jockey was initially booked to partner John Leeper for Ed Dunlop but when Ballydoyle no longer required Frankie Dettori s services, Dettori stepped in for that ride.
Kirby then replaced the champion jockey aboard Adayar as he rides regular work for the stable and he enjoyed an armchair ride.
The first winner from stall one since Oath in 1999, the son of Frankel travelled powerfully by the far rail and the race was over when he went clear two out.
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