Godolphin Strike Back
Masar, the first Investec Derby winner in Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin blue, has reopened the battle between racings two superpowers. And with the Sheikh now investing in Coolmore stallions, we look forward to a healthy competition for the Classics in England and Ireland.
This year’s Derby was run under blue skies and before a bumper crowd. The betting centred on one horse – Saxon Warrior – winner of the 2000 Guineas and best of five Aiden O’Brien entries, starting at 4-5 favourite; Roaring Lion, winner of the Dante Stakes, was next best at 6-1, while Young Rascal (Chester Vase) and Hazapour (Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial), were popular alternatives. The Godolphin hope, Masar, third to Saxon Warrior when favourite for the Guineas, attracted each-way support at 16-1.
The 12 runners on their way, Kew Gardens, Dee Ex Bee and Knight To Behold, led the field for the first half-mile. On to the highest point of the course, Knight To Behold headed Kew Gardens with The Pentagon and Hazapour two lengths away. There was little change in the order until entering the straight, when after Kew Gardens and Knight To Behold gave way, Hazapour took up the running from Dee Ex Bee, with Masar mounting a challenge and Roaring Lion closing fast. Suddenly, Masar forged ahead, leaving Dee Ex Bee and Roaring Lion to scrap for the places, while Saxon Warrior, the disappointment of the race, finished fourth.
Run on Saturday, 2 June, 2018 as the Investec Derby Stakes over the Derby Course of one mile and a half and 6 yards, Epsom Downs. For three-year-olds; entire colts 9st 0lb, fillies 8st 11lb. 455 entries. Value to winner £850,650.
| 1st MASAR | William Buick | 16-1 | |
| 2nd DEE EX BEE | Silvestre de Sousa | 20-1 | 1½ lengths |
| 3rd ROARING LION | Oisin Murphy | 6-1 | ½ length |
Also ran: 4th Saxon Warrior (Ryan Moore) 4-5 Fav; Hazapour (Frankie Dettori) 12-1; Delano Roosevelt (Seamie Heffeman) 16-1; Young Rascal (James Doyle) 17-2: The Pentagon (Wayne Lordan) 33-1; Kew Gardens (Donnacha O’Brien) 16-1; Sevenna Star (Robert Havlin); Knight To Behold (Richard Kingscote) 14-1; Zabriskie (P B Beggy) 66-1 (tailed off, last).
12 ran. Time: 2 min. 34.93 sec.
BRED by Godolphin.
OWNED by Godolphin.
TRAINED by Charlie Appleby at Newmarket, Suffolk.
The winner, MASAR, has won 4 races (from 8 starts), incl. BetBright Solario Stakes, Sandown, Bet365 Craven Stakes, Newmarket, Investec Derby Stakes. Third in Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes.
The sire, NEW APPROACH, ch.c. 2005 by GALILEO ex PARK EXPRESS, won 8 races (from 11 starts) incl. Dewhurst Stakes, Newmarket, Vodafone Derby Stakes, Irish Champion Stakes, Leopardstown, Champion Stakes (in Course record time 2 m. 0.13 sec.), Newmarket. Second in Two Thousand Guineas Stakes, Newmarket & Irish 2000 Guineas, The Curragh. Sire of DAWN APPROACH ch.c. 2010 ex HYMN OF THE DAWN by PHONE TRICK, won Coventry Stakes, Ascot, Dewhurst Stakes, Newmarket, Two Thousand Guineas Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes, Ascot; LIBERTARIAN b.c.2010 ex INTRUM MORSHAAN by DARSHAAN, won Dante Stakes, York, second in Investec Derby Stakes; TALENT ch.f. 2010 ex PROWESS by PEINTRE CELEBRE, won Pretty Polly Stakes, Newmarket, Investec Oaks Stakes.
The dam, KHAWLAH, b.f. 2008 by CAPE CROSS ex VILLARRICA, won 3 races (from 10 starts) incl. UAE Oaks and UAE Derby, Meydan. MASAR was her second foal.