3 minute read

Adrian Murray is hoping his Epsom Derby contender can outrun his sizeable odds on the opening day in June.

Murray, who is no stranger to huge-priced winners on the big stage having saddled Valiant Force to Royal Ascot success at 150/1, is expecting a bold showing from his contender Dallas Star.

The AMO Racing-owned colt made a winning stable debut for Adrian Murray when defying odds of 50/1 in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes, a recognised Derby Trial, at Leopardstown back in April and his handler certainly doesn't see the son of Cloth Of Stars as a complete no-hoper heading into the Epsom showpiece.

"He's doing very well. The plan after he won the last day was to go straight to Epsom," explained Murray.

"We had never planned to take him to another trial, and we've been very happy with him since. He's improving all the time and we're looking forward to it, we're hoping for a big run.

"We probably weren't expecting that big a run in the Ballysax but you never know with horses from two to three. Some will disappoint you, while some get you more excited, but he's improved a lot from two to three.

"We think he's improved again since the Ballysax. We gave him a racecourse gallop at Naas, and we were very happy with him. David Egan will be riding, I would imagine."

Murray added: "For me to have a runner in the Derby is unbelievable. I've been watching the Derby all my life, so it's going to be a huge experience.

"I suppose I'd be happy if it rained. He looked very, very good on heavy ground at Leopardstown and I don't really know much about him on quicker ground, it was quicker at Naas on Monday but if I had the choice, I would prefer cut in the ground.

"I would be expecting that we have an each-way chance, he's not going there as a no-hoper. We're very excited about him, he won a recognised trial in good style, and he's come forward from it."