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Derby can fall to Casual Conquest

By Matt | June 6, 2008

THE VODAFONE DERBY is there for the taking for Dermot Weld’s Casual Conquest when the colts line up for the 2008 running of the Epsom classic tomorrow.

I staked five points on Casual Conquest at odds of 4/1 earlier today and my only regret is that I didn’t wait. 9/2 is now available at many bookies - although an equal number are laying him at 7/2.

Casual Conquest is a lightly raced horse but has won both his starts, on ground that will probably be very similar to Epsom tomorrow. And, for me, he is the stand-out class horse of the race.

His connections only supplemented him for the Derby last Monday, forcing the bookies to tear up their betting odds. Previous favourite Curtain Call has gone walkabout in the market, and just about everyone else has seen their odds lengthen too.

New Approach is another recent entry, and will be well backed in a field without his dual Guineas opponent Henrythenavigator. New Approach was right up there in the Derby betting until about six weeks ago, but I’m refusing to get excited by his return.

Jim Bolger has failed to get a return on the colt over a mile in both the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas, and I can’t see this son of Galileo doing any better over 12 furlongs.

It will be a shame to see the Derby run without Henrythenavigator; Aiden O’Brien’s horse being the star of this classic generation so far. Ballydoyle will still be well represented at Epsom tomorrow, with Lingfield Derby Trial winner Alessandro Volta looking a decent each-way alternative for non-fav backers.

Selection

• 5 points Casual Conquest (9/2, general) to win the Epsom Vodafone Derby

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