Soccer
  • Home
  • Horse Racing
  • Epsom Derby News: West Wind Blows lacks experience but can cause a storm says Crisford

Epsom Derby News: West Wind Blows lacks experience but can cause a storm says Crisford

Simon and Ed Crisford aren't the first names that roll off the tongue when you imagine Derby contenders but their West Wind Blows has all the attributes of an Epsom winner bar experience.

Simon and Ed Crisford aren't the biggest training names when it comes to the Cazoo Epsom Derby 2022 but their West Wind Blows could breeze up under the right conditions.

Simon Crisford, who holds a joint permit with his son Ed, was keen to point to West Wind Blow's pedigree and class at the Cazoo Gallops Morning on Monday.

However, with only two runs to his name, big-race experience may be a hurdle that the three-tear-old Teofilo colt will have to overcome.
"The intention was to run him at Newbury (in April) then come back for the Lingfield Derby Trial. He got loose at the start at Newbury so we couldn't run him there and we had to come up with a different plan." said Crisford.
"The plan then was to go into a novice with his penalty and he won that with quite some authority. He is very unexposed and we don't know how good he is, but we will find out on Saturday week.
"He is short on experience and you would have loved for him to have had a bit more match practice going into a race like this. He can get himself a little bit tense but the idea of coming today was to give him more experience.
"He has been a slow developer and learner, but he is just coming to himself and his work there was very pleasing. He came down the hill on the right leg and switched leads. He quickened up nicely along the straight.
"The hardest bit was pulling him up, as you can see. He has got an outstanding pedigree, a Classic pedigree and he will stay the mile and a half without any question."
Crisford used to work for Godolphin so is well versed in the build up to such a classic and added "He will wear a hood and we will keep him as relaxed and switched off as possible. Coming here today was a key moment. He has taken that very well and he is developing the whole time.
"He is a colt that has lots of potential for the future. He wouldn't need to lead but we will see how the race unfolds. There is bound to be plenty of pace in there. The horse is bred for a mile and a half plus.
"Over a mile and a half that is when he will come into his own. It is always a fascinating race. I think you will have to stay well and you can't turn up with a mile and a quarter horse.
"I am excited about this horse, but I just wish we could have got a couple more races under our belt.
"If we can keep the lid on him and stop him getting too excited in the prelims, I think he will run a good race."

    More Articles