Claudio Monteverdi can pass Derby Trial test
Published:
David Metcalf | April 19, 2016
Claudio can show his class in Derby Trial
Claudio Monteverdi can enhance his Classic claims with success in the Investec Derby Trial (14:30) at Epsom on Wednesday.
The Aidan O’Brien trained colt shaped with plenty of promise when fourth in two big field maiden contests, before opening his account in runaway style over 1m at Leopardstown earlier this month.
Claudio Monteverdi made all and surged clear a furlong from home to win easing down by 4 3/4 lengths.
It was a most taking performance and three-year-old Claudio Monteverdi is currently a 16/1 shot with Coral on the back if it for the Derby itself at this venue on Saturday, June 4th.
The form of that race has also been given a boost, with the third home The Gurkha having since come out and bolted up by nine lengths.
Given that the Gurkha finished just over six lengths behind Claudio Monteverdi, it suggests that the selection could be something special.
The beautifully bred son of Galileo will also appreciate the step up to 1m 2f, handles cut in the ground, and looks the type who has plenty more improvement left in the locker.
Clayton can make it third time lucky
In the Investec City and Suburban handicap (15:40), Clayton can take advantage of what looks a handy mark to make it third time lucky in the 1m 2f contest.
The gelding finished runner-up in the race in 2013 and 2014 when trained by Kevin Ryan, and was beaten just over a length in the latter off a mark of 102.
Clayton then missed the whole of the 2015 flat season, but has shown that he retains plenty of ability in winning over hurdles at Plumpton back in February for new handler Gary Moore.
This seven-year-old also ran very well to finish second in a handicap hurdle at Warwick earlier in April, and now reverts to the level off a mark of 100.
That is 2lb lower than when runner-up in the race in 2014, and gives Clayton every chance from a handicapping perspective.
The booking of Ryan Moore to do the steering also catches the eye, and another plus is that Clayton will have no problem with the soft underfoot conditions.
Selections
14.00: Normal Equilibrium
14.30: Claudio Monteverdi (NAP)
15.05: Agent Gibbs
15.40: Clayton (NB)
16.15: Silca Star
16.50: Marshal Dan Troop
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