Andre Fabre confirming Ocovango for the Derby yesterday was the best news I've had for ages and it also makes the race a mouth watering prospect even though the rather hyped up Telescope is now a doubt after not being declared for Thursday's Dante. Ocovango is unbeaten and although he only looked workmanlike when winning the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud in his last race he looked like he had plenty in hand at the finish and despite the fact that he is in the care of a master trainer was still available at 12/1 when his target was confirmed. I don't see why the likes of Battle of Marengo and Ruler of the World are shorter and I have topped up. The trip is a slight worry given the rather speedy female side of his pedigree but his sire Monsun is a big influence for stamina and I'm very hopeful he'll stay. Although I have a downer on most of the Ballydoyle brigade being aimed at this race I was very impressed with Magician in the Dee Stakes and although his pedigree suggests a mile and a quarter will be his optimum trip I couldn't resist a bit of 25/1 even though Chantilly is most likely where he will line up. He's an exciting animal and a showdown with Intello would be some event in the Jockey Club.
I knew Declaration of War would be over bet for the Lockinge this Saturday and I have taken some more 4/1 about Farhh who has the best form in this Group 1 but is third favourite with some bookmakers. It's true this Godolphin creature has slightly better form over 10f but his record over a mile is excellent as well. His narrow defeat behind Moonlight Cloud in the Prix du Moulin last September reads very well in the company he keeps at Newbury and at this stage he's the best value in the race. If DoW continues to shorten I may back Cityscape as well depending on the price.
Lockinge:
Farhh £50w @ 4/1
Derby:
Sky Lantern (1000G) (won) and Ocovango £15ew double @ 9/1 and 12/1
Ocovango £25w @ 12/1
Magician £5w @ 25/1
Arc:
Gold Ship £15w @ 25/1
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