Derby Festival News |
 |
| Friday 6th & Saturday 7th June 2014 | |
Sudden Wonder Has Derby Goal
03/06/14
Godolphin's Sudden Wonder will run in the Investec Derby at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 7, with Kevin Manning booked for the ride.
 |
Trainer Charlie Appleby commented on Tuesday, June 3: "I am very happy with Sudden Wonder's preparation to date and confident he will put up a big performance in the Investec Derby.
"I have spoken to connections and we agreed that we would like Kevin Manning to be on board as his style of riding will suit Sudden Wonder.
"He is a very positive rider and experienced around Epsom. He partnered New Approach, Sudden Wonder's sire, to victory in the Derby."
Last year, favourite Dawn Approach, bought for the job by Godolphin boss Sheikh Mohammed, was undone in the Epsom Classic by his fierce Irish bloodstock rivals, the ascendant Coolmore racing operation and their brilliant trainer Aidan O'Brien with Ruler of the World.
"Sudden Wonder is an uncomplicated horse who will get a mile and a half without any problems.
"He made up a lot of ground off an easy early pace in the Lingfield trial and I think there is definitely more to come from him.
"He is well balanced and has shown he handles the undulations of Newmarket's Rowley Mile course. He gained valuable experience when going around a bend for the first time at Lingfield, quickening out of the turn."
 |
He will have the benefit of arguably the best Epsom jockey still riding – Kieren Fallon - and, despite flopping in the Dante Stakes last time out, the form got a huge boost when the winner, The Grey Gatsby, landed the French Derby on June 1.
Charlie Appleby has another entry in Pinzolo but a decision about his participation will be made later in the week.
The trainer said: "Pinzolo is suited by a sound surface so we will keep an eye on the weather, while Sudden Wonder has won on that type of going and soft ground."
