The Epsom Derby....is widely considered one of the toughest thoroughbred horse races and the Epsom Derby 2009 renewal looks a cracker. Contested by three-year-old colts and fillies over 1 mile 4 furlongs over the undulating Epsom downs,it is the ultimate test in endurance and speed. Preparation for the race is usually undertaken in the Derby trials such as the Dante stakes (York),2,000 Guineas (Newmarket), Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial (Leopardstown) Ballysax Stakes (Leopardstown)
Once you’ve cleared up at the Derby, you can collect your winnings and join me at the baccarat tables at one of the many online casinos. See you there. Breaking News....Rip Van Winkle is preferred to Fame And Glory by Murtagh Stand out stats: Saddlers Wells is the most successful sire of Oaks winners with 5 wins and also 2 wins in the classic race itself. The most successful dam is Urban Sea whose 3yo Sea The Stars contests this year's Epsom Derby renewal 
Leading contenders for the Derby Saturday 6th June 2009 include:
Fame And Glory (1st Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, 1st Ballysax Stakes) Sea The Stars (1st 2000 Guineas) Gan Amhras (3rd 2000 Guineas) Black Bear Island (1st Dante Stakes) Rip Van Winkle (4th 2000 Guineas) Crowded House (8th Dante Stakes) Masterofthehorse (2nd Chester Vase) Age Of Aquarius (1st Lingfield Derby Trial) Kite Wood (5th Dante Stakes)
The reason probably lies in the stamina required to win it and although a high class horse can overcome stamina limitations, this year's renewal is fiercely competitive. The Ballydoyle stable of Aidan O'Brien fields a host of possibles, none more so than Rip Van Winkle. Rip Van Winkle won his first two races as a 2yo and wasn't given a hard time when encountering trouble in running on his last run as a 2yo. His first run in the 2000 Guineas came after his preparation was held up by a bruised foot and stayed on well just missing out on a 3rd place. He could well come on for this. Rip Van Winkle is preferred to Fame And Glory by Murtagh and the 3 times winner of the Epsom Derby claims:"Rip is a great horse and from day one has always shown class." This choice of rides points up his chance on Epsom Derby day. Sea The Stars has won 3 of his 4 races and looks a smart prospect with a Group 1 victory (2000 Guineas) to his name. But although there is stamina on the dam side of his pedigree this is not the case for his Cape Cross side. Crowded House won 2 of his 4 races as a 2yo ending with a 2 1/2 length victory in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy. Reappearing as favourite in the Dante Stakes he came home in a dispiriting 8th place. His trainer however reflected that he probably just needed the run. Fame And Glory will enter the race brimming with confidence after winning all 4 starts to date. The last of which was the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes (Group 2) having won the Ballysax Stakes 2 weeks previously. There is no doubt he is a talented professional and could well prove hard to beat but there is no knowing how he will handle the Epsom Derby course and the fact he swished his tail when given a smack raises a small doubt in the mind. Masterofthehorse won a Listed race at Gowran in August 2008 and in May 2009
was runner up in the chester Vase Group 3 to stablemate Golden sword.
He was given too much to do that day but the suspicion remains he
just may not be good enough to win at Epsom.
. Epsom Racecourse - home of the Epsom Derby 
Black Bear Island just got pipped at the post by Driving Snow in his first race at the Curragh last year, with both Freemantle and Sea The Stars close behind. He won his next race and started this year with a fair 3rd place after trouble in running in a Group 3 at Longchamp. This was followed by a short head defeat of stablemateFreemantle in the Dante Stakes at York. However the suspicion is that the places may well be reversed on their next meeting in the Epsom Derby. Gan Amhras caught the eye on his first run at the Curragh last July, running on well in the final furlong as the penny began to drop. In winning his next race, he accounted for favourite Masterofthehorse with some ease. His last race of the season saw him go a close 2nd to Richard Hannon's Soul City. The 2000 Guineas opened his career as a 3yo, finishing just behind Sea The Stars and Delegator, running on well in the closing stages, suggesting that the stamina sapping Epsom Derby will hold no fears for him.
Age Of Aquarius has won all three of his starts to date. The first was a
bog standard a.w. race at Dundalk last September. This was followed by a fourth in the Group 1 at St Cloud in November behind stablemates Fame And Glory and Drumbeat on heavy ground. His first and only run this
year resulted in a win in the Lingfield Derby trial on good to firm.
However it has to said this was not a strong renewal and the Epsom Derby will represent quite a jump in class.
Verdict Win: Rip Van Winkle Place: Crowded House
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