David Probert Derby Day rides blog: 'There are no doubts about his stamina'

David Probert's latest blog sees the leading jockey preview his four Derby Day rides on Saturday at Epsom. He also previews the day's big race, just like Kieran O'Neill.

He has had one run this year at Chester, and although he was well beaten that day, he has come on for the outing. He was a highly progressive horse last season, and I think he can keep improving. The slower the ground, the better for him. I am happy enough with stall 13, and I am sure he has the speed to be competitive in the Dash.

I am delighted to have another ride in the Derby. This is the most special Flat race in the world, so to be part of the line-up, is always something to savour.

We are under no illusions about what we are up against here. He is a big outsider, but the owner [Ahmad Al Shaikh] is passionate about the sport and this race. I was fortunate to finish second in the Derby for him in 2022 on board Hoo Ya Mal at odds of 150-1, so outsiders can have their say in this race.

Al Wasl Storm won his maiden at Chester, which is always a good course to have a trial for the Derby. I gave him a spin around Epsom during ‘Breakfast with the Stars’ last week, and he was enthusiastic and took a nice hold around the track.

The forecast suggests we are set for plenty of rain on Derby Day, and he is a horse who will not mind that. He is one of only four horses in the race to have won over 1m4f, so there are no doubts about his stamina.

We have been drawn in stall 13, and I just hope he doesn’t get taken off his feet too early. I don’t think he is the finished article yet, but that itself is exciting, as it means there is much more to come from him.

It is an open-looking race. Delacroix has arguably the best form with his trial victories. Ruling Court is the Guineas winner, but there are some doubts about his stamina. I also was impressed with Pride Of Arras in the Dante. As the betting suggests, you could make a case for quite a few of them in the field.

I won on this horse at Ascot last time. He was able to relax easily into the race, and I was surprised at how well he was travelling when turning for home. He extended at the 2f pole and put the race to bed. If he handles the track, he should be thereabouts. He has gone up 7lb, but I still think he is ahead of his mark based on his last run.

This horse ran over 7f last time at Chester, but he couldn’t get a run. He has shown plenty of speed in the past, so a drop down 6f will not be a problem. This is just his second start for Ian Williams, but looking back at his form in France, he has some good form on soft ground. Hopefully, he can outrun his odds.

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