Derby fever maybe be behind closed doors , but it will be still a great renewal Andrew Nelis

The build-up to the 241st running of the Investec Derby has been one quite like never before.

The coronavirus pandemic led to original entries, dating back to the end of 2018 when 356 yearling were entered, being scrapped, while traditional key trials such as the Dante and Chester Vase have not taken place.

Sandown’s Classic Trial was run, but at Kempton, while Lingfield’s Derby Trial also survived, but with runners from Ireland and further afield barred from taking part.

Races at Royal Ascot, usually staged a fortnight or so after the Derby, took place a fortnight before, presenting themselves as unusual stepping stones towards potential Classic stardom.

The Irish Derby took place over the weekend, the first time it had been staged before its Epsom counterpart, and on the big day itself jockeys will be able to warm-up by riding in the Investec Oaks. It will be the first time the Oaks and Derby have been run on the same day, and possibly the first time two British Classics have been run in the space of just over an hour.

Some things do not change. Aidan O’Brien is seeking a record eighth win in the race and again promises to have multiple runners, even if his final team will not match the eight challengers he fielded in 2007..

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Fury to contest the St Ledger Doncaster Andrew Nelis

Trainer Richard Spencer has identified the St Leger at Doncaster as the primary objective for his exciting colt Tyson Fury. The Newmarket handler confirmed in February of last year that the two-time heavyweight world champion had given his blessing for the Iffraaj colt to be named in his honour, with part-owner Phil Cunningham friendly with a member of Fury's team. While it has taken a while for the equine Tyson Fury to hit the racecourse, he produced a knockout display on his Doncaster debut earlier in the month, leaving connections dreaming of a tilt at Classic glory later in the year... Andrew Nelis Racing

Aidan Obrien trio crack Asaault ready for the Qatar sussex stakes Goodwood Andrew Nelis racing

£20 Risk Free First Bet Aidan O’Brien could saddle a formidable three-pronged assault in his bid for a sixth victory in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. It is 21 years since the popular Giant’s Causeway provided the Ballydoyle handler with his first win in the prestigious Group One contest, a success he still recalls fondly two decades on. The record-breaking Rock Of Gibraltar (2002), Henrythenavigator (2008), Rip Van Winkle (2009) and The Gurkha (2016) have all since added their names to the roll of honour in a race O’Brien ranks highly in the Flat racing calendar. “Giant’s Causeway is a horse that would come to mind when you think of the Sussex. It’s a very difficult race to win,” said the trainer. “It’s a very prestigious mile race. It’s the ultimate test really – it’s up and it’s down and it’s left and right. They have to have speed and stamina and they have to be very versatile. “It can be the ultimate test of a miler, physically and mentally. It’s a very important race ...

Epsom Derby Runners and riders 2020 Andrew Nelis

1 AMHRAN NA BHFIANN Sire : Galileo. Trainer : Aidan O’Brien. Official rating : --. Odds : 50-1 Who will add their name to the Derby roll of honour? Positives : His sister, Was, won the Oaks on her third start in 2012, while his brother, Douglas Macarthur, finished seventh in the 2017 Derby after being deployed as a pacemaker. He himself offered something to work on when fourth in a Leopardstown maiden last time, when finishing behind three stablemates who subsequently all made their presence felt in the Irish Derby. His best days are ahead of him. Negatives : Has mountain to climb on form and even his master trainer has not pulled off the trick of winning the Derby with a twice-raced maiden. Indeed, the last maiden to win the race was in 1887. Verdict : Folly to underestimate anything his trainer runs but easy enough to looks elsewhere. 2 EMISSARY Sire : Kingman. Trainer : Hugo Palmer. Official rating : 98. Odds : 33-1 ...

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