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Saturday horse racing tips: Maximus worth chancing each-way in an open Epsom Derby



This year’s Epsom Derby certainly lacks a stand-out horse… for now.

The favourite for example, Sir Dragonet, wasn’t even thought off as a top prospect by the Aidan O’Brien yard – apparently he shows very little at home – until he won both his starts to date in the style of a good’un, his eight-length victory in the Chester Vase looking visually stunning.

But it’s hard to have confidence about a twice-raced horse at just 5/2, whose latest victory was on very testing ground in a small-field race at Chester.

Saturday’s Derby is set to be run on fast ground, and looks to be much more competitive while having a very open feel to it.

The nod then, goes to another O’Brien runner who has been attracting steady support in the last week or so, now available to back at 12/1 on the Betfair Sportsbook.

Circus Maximus also won a Derby trial at Chester but a big plus for him is that he has more experience than most in this race and he has some excellent fast ground form to his name, most notably when finishing third to the high-class pair Persian King and Magna Grecia at Newmarket last season before being beaten only a length behind another pair of subsequent Guineas winners in the Vertem Trophy at Doncaster.

His defeat of Mohawk in the Dee Stakes a few weeks back wasn’t flash but it was a race that O’Brien has used previously on route to the Epsom Derby, more recently with Cliff Of Moher who also won that trial at Chester before finishing second in the big race itself.

And at least Circus Maximus’ reappearance win told us he’s in good heart while also being entitled to come on a bundle for that run.

The step up in trip is sure to suit, and the booking of Frankie Dettori – a rare move by the O’Brien yard – is another huge plus.

He’s a prominent runner who has a lovely draw in five to work from, so expect him to jump out and sit just off the pace before delivering a run in the straight.

Like most in this year’s Derby he’ll need to step up on previous form, and he’ll need a bit of luck in running, but at the prices he represents a solid each-way choice.

Betfair Sportsbook are offering a free bet of up to £25 for every winner at 3/1 or over during ITV racing (free bet matching original stake, max £25).





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