Algometer to line up in Derby

02 June 2016

TRAINER David Simcock expects Trillium Place to be buzzing with excitement on Saturday when Algometer will represent the stable in the Derby at Epsom.

The mile and a half Classic is, for many, the most famous Flat race in the world and it is always a thrill for a yard to have one for it.
Reputations are made on the Downs - and never more so than this year where 16 colts will line up.
David said: "Like everybody, I think it's a very, very open race. The fact that there were four supplementary entries confirms that.
"There's no outstanding horse at the moment...that's not to say there won't be an outstanding horse after Saturday."
On profile, Kirsten Rausing's home-bred Algometer looks a very interesting outside chance.
There is plenty of classy stamina in the pedigree, not least through the dam Albanova, a three-time Group 1 winner in Germany over 12 furlongs.
And the sire, Archipenko, also won a top-class race at a mile and a quarter, getting progeny who stretch out beyond that distance (former Trillium Place inmate Madame Chiang won a Group 1 over a mile-and-a half at Ascot on Champions' Day, 2014).
The prevailing soft ground at Epsom won't present any problems either. In fact, Algometer showed that he is happy getting his toe in when breaking his maiden at Newbury as a two-year-old and also in finishing second in Group 3 company at Sandown.
His last run - and win - came a fortnight ago at Goodwood in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes.
He stayed on well in a race that lacked a decent tempo and David feels he will be better suited by a stronger gallop, which is likely to unfold at Epsom.
He said: "We are very happy with our horse. He is improving, he's a guaranteed stayer and won't mind a little bit of cut in the ground.
"The only thing I would say about Goodwood is that it would have been everything he didn't want in a race - lack of pace, nothing really to run at.
"The more pace in a race, the better for him because he is an out-and-out grinder. He doesn't accelerate particularly quickly but when he is in full flight he can gallop.
"The one sort-of question-mark is the fact that Goodwood is quite close to Epsom. but he seems to be very expressive. Everything seems very good with him."
And is the thrill of the Derby lighting up Trillium Place as the days count down to the big day?
"Very much so," confirmed David. "The yard will be full of excitement.
"Win lose or draw, it's a credit to the staff that we've got a horse that's ready for the Derby and could be capable of running well."