Epsom Derby News: Sir Michael Stoute's favourite Desert Crown all set after Newmarket spin
Sir Michael Stoute's Desert Crown seems a worthy Cazoo Epsom Derby favourite after eye-catching performances in the Dante and on a prep run at Newmarket on Thursday morning.
Excitement is building ahead of the Cazoo Epsom Derby on June 4 and Sir Michael Stoute's market leader Desert Crown impressed on a practise run at Newmarket.
Desert Crown has, almost unbelievably, only ever raced twice, progressing at a rate of knots from his debut maiden win at Nottingham.
Indeed, Desert Crown pulled nicely clear of the 112 rated rival under big-race rider Richard Kingscote in a showing that will have done nothing to put off punters expecting another Stoute Derby win.
The Group 1 race takes place over one mile and four furlongs on the Epsom Downs and the winner will receive £850,650.
Due to line up against Desert Crown are Aidan O'Brien's second favourite Stone Age, who ran away with the Leopardstown Derby trial, while O'Brien's son Joseph sends Piz Badile, who may well be a dark horse after game win in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown.
Derby favourite Desert Crown goes clear of Solid Stone at this morning’s gallop at Epsom. pic.twitter.com/jZimYwqCyJ
— Jack Dawling Racing (@_JDRacing) May 26, 2022