Epsom Derby And Oaks updates: No Hawkeye or Purview for 1m4f Classic
Robert Havlin, who was at the centre of controversy last season for replacing Callum Shepherd aboard Ambiente Friendly in the Derby, believes Nightwalker has the potential to exceed expectations in the Betfred-backed Classic.
Havlin and Ambiente Friendly finished as runners-up behind City Of Troy in last year’s race. Now, Havlin is preparing to ride Nightwalker again during a workout session at Epsom, scheduled for Tuesday. This comes just under two weeks after they placed fifth in the Dante Stakes at York.
“Had he not fluffed the start at York, I think Nightwalker would have been right in the mix,” Havlin commented. “He had to recover from a slow beginning, which set us back, and we were also drawn wide, which was another disadvantage. He hit a lull at the top of the straight, but in the final furlong he really picked up, finishing strongly. It felt like he could stay the Derby distance.”
Meanwhile, trainer James Owen has indicated that Wimbledon Hawkeye, who finished third in the Dante, is not a guaranteed runner for the Derby at Epsom next Saturday. The colt, priced around 33-1, might instead be aimed at the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 20.
At the top of the Derby betting, stablemate Delacroix has overtaken The Lion In Winter, who drifted to 5-1 (from 11-4) after a loss. However, trainer Aidan O’Brien remained upbeat despite the result.
O’Brien explained, “Ryan [Moore] was pleased with the run. He had to make his move earlier than planned because of how the race unfolded, and the horse may have tired a bit, which is understandable given it was his seasonal debut. But Ryan was positive overall.”
When asked who Moore might ride at Epsom, O’Brien replied: “He’ll decide as late as possible. It’s likely between Delacroix and The Lion In Winter. At the moment, Delacroix seems the more probable pick, but a final decision will depend on how both horses are drawn and how they’re doing closer to the day.”
The Lion In Winter, a son of Kameko who claimed the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes last year, made his third appearance of 2025 at York, finishing three lengths behind Pride Of Arras.
Dermot Weld is set to target next month’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with Purview and described as “unlikely” any tilt at Epsom next week with his promising colt.
Winner of a Dundalk maiden on his debut in November, Purview reappeared in Leopardstown’s Derby Trial over a fortnight ago and ran a very promising second to Delacroix.
The colt now heads betting for Saturday week’s Derby but Weld is lukewarm on the idea of taking Delacroix on again at Epsom.
“He’s still a very big and immature horse and still wants more time, so I would say he is unlikely to go to Epsom. We still have races like the Irish Derby in mind,” Weld said on Tuesday.
Oaks a doubt for star-filly Falakeyah
Trainer Owen Burrows also shared some doubts about whether his filly Falakeyah, who won the Pretty Polly Stakes, will take her place in the Betfred Oaks on June 6. Despite her talent, Burrows is cautious about her suitability for the step up to a mile and a half, particularly due to her front-running style.
A decision is expected soon, especially with her owners, Shadwell, also considering 1,000 Guineas fourth-place finisher Elwateen for the Oaks. If Elwateen is to run, she would need to be supplemented for a potential rematch with Desert Flower, the current Oaks favorite at 7-4.
“It’s still under discussion,” Burrows said after watching his Derby prospect Al Wasl Storm train at Epsom. “We’ll see how Saeed [bin Suroor]’s filly is coming along—she might be more of a natural fit for the Oaks, but she needs to be supplemented, while we don’t.”
He added, “Falakeyah is probably the best filly I’ve trained. She’s very talented and continues to mature mentally. She’s exceptional, but Epsom might not suit her running style. Going up to a mile and a half is definitely something we’re thinking hard about.”