Where Have The Stayers Gone

Looking at the AJC Derby field last night I thought where have we come to get such a weak field for today. I'm probably getting a tad carried away to call it that way; I guess I unfairly compare all AJC Derby fields with the 1996 edition. A bit like comparing your wife with your uni girlfriend.

The Sadlers Wells bred has been much maligned in these parts; not enough bone and don't get enough cut in the tracks to be competitive down under the experts have claimed.

Scenic has done a lot in recent seasons to get a foothold for SW but one swallow hardly makes a summer.

He's got a bit of support lately from Montjeu who has 5 in todays Derby.

Harris Tweed is the most fancied of these but it's the Cummings trained Roman Emperor whom I fancy to give Montjeu consecutive AJC Derbies.

I loved his second up run this campaign, then he was no chance on a wet track when back and they walked. Last start in the Rosehill Guineas he travelled more kindly than usual, went up to them on the point of the turn full of running and only tired late to finish 2.3 from Metal Bender. That was his stepping up from 1600m to 2000m and you fancy the Cummings polish will have been put on him for today.

For the multiples I like Metal Bender, Sousa, Rock Kingdom and Old Jock.

Sousa gets on the pace, bowls along and has courage. I have a doubt about him getting back on a decent track

Rock Kingdom who has been let go a little in the market should have won the Rosehill Guineas and is a versatile animal who has a tad more class than than the rest of these Metal Bender excepted.

I was taken with Old Jock when I saw him run 2nd to Shanzero at Ellerslie last month. He didn't get a lot of favours that day but showed me some toughness that will hold him in good stead the further they go.

Big Col has a Derby pedigree - by the sire of Rebel Raider from a half to Oaks winner Richfield Lady.

Harris Tweed did well to win last week but I m not convinced that Tulloch form measures up. He's been a bit light too when I ve seen him and he s had a lot of racing of late. Maybe that fitness will stand him in great stead. One thing it will seal for me if he wins, the Bakers reputation as master conditioners.