epsom derby 2011/

Bookies Wary of Possible O'Connor Change of Plan
01/06/11

Although it was reported a couple of days ago that last month's Irish 2000 Guineas winner Roderic O'Connor would most likely bypass the Investec Derby at Epsom on June 5 to take in the French equivalent at Chantilly the day after, the fact the decision wasn't described as 'definite' has meant that many firms have left the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt in the ante-post list for the world's greatest Flat race for the time being, writes Elliot Slater.

Roderic O'Connor
© Racehorse Photos

Many observers seem to share the opinion that the Galileo colt's winning performance over the Curragh mile showed that the Guineas trip might well prove to be his optimum distance. Most agree that he is more than likely to stay at least a mile-and-a-quarter (the distance of the French Derby), but are far less convinced that O'Brien's charge has the necessary stamina required to see out the extra two furlongs of the Epsom classic and those looking at the Derby betting should bear this in mind.

On Sunday, Aidan O'Brien's wife Annemarie tweeted that it was most likely that Roderic O'Connor would go to France, but there has been precious little further comment on the subject leading some in the industry to suggest that the decision to scratch the Irish classic winner from the Derby field is far from cut and dried. This is clearly reflected in the ante-post odds on offer across the market at present with some firms going as big as 16/1 about the Ballydoyle colt, whilst others (including one major firm) offer a wide variety of prices down to as short as 8/1.

Although it is always dangerous to second guess Ballydoyle plans, it does look very much as though both Recital (5/1) and Seville (6/1) are almost certain to run at Epsom together with likely pacemakers Treasure Beach and Memphis Tennessee. All will be revealed in Thursday final declarations.