Date: Saturday 4th June 2022
This year’s Derby has a slightly cleaner shape to it. A few arrive with standout trial form, a few come from the powerhouses you always have to respect, and the ratings point pretty strongly towards the classier colts near the head of the market.
Recent Derby winners have tended to be officially high class and have usually come here off a very good final prep. With that in mind, these are the three that stand out most.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Desert Crown | 225 |
| Stone Age | 209 |
| Nations Pride | 202 |
| Westover | 194 |
| Changingoftheguard | 187 |
| Walk Of Stars | 179 |
| Piz Badile | 172 |
The ratings place a lot of emphasis on official ability this year. Since 2015, Derby winners have overwhelmingly been horses already showing top-level class, and strong final prep form remains one of the key markers.
MAIN SELECTION
Desert Crown (3/1 available)
He is the clear top-rated horse and very much the one to beat.
He has the standout prep form, the right official level of class and looks tailor-made for this race. He is not overexposed, comes from a yard that knows exactly what is required and looks the strongest Derby favourite for a while.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Stone Age (6/1 available)
The main Ballydoyle hope and the obvious danger to the selection.
He has the stable angle, a strong prep and the right type of profile for Epsom. If the market leader does not fire, he looks the most likely horse to capitalise.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Nations Pride (11/2 available)
A very solid Godolphin alternative.
He has the class, he comes from a stable that has done well in the Derby in recent years and he looks the sort to stay the trip well. He may not have quite the same sparkle as the main pick, but he still makes plenty of appeal.
SUMMARY
Desert Crown comes out clear on the ratings and looks the right Derby type, with Stone Age and Nations Pride the strongest alternatives.
