Four Derby prospects were on show during the Epsom Gallops morning on Tuesday, organized by the Jockey Club – Voyage, Dancing Gemini, Deira Mile and Macduff. It is an event that has proved popular in recent years, with Pour Moi undertaking a successful gallop before taking the Classic in 2011.
The Richard Hannon-trained Voyage sprang a 28/1 surprise on racecourse debut when scoring at Newbury and appears to be a live outside chance for the yard, despite his lack of experience. He will be the first runner in the Epsom Classic for experienced owner Julie Wood, who was delighted with the performance of her exciting Golden Horn colt.
"You can't beat it, being part of it. I've been waiting for years to get one suitable, one good enough to line up and this is it," she said.
"I always throw a stayer in the foals every year, hoping that they will be good enough to line up here, so this was the lad. He's got the right page for it, but I want to enjoy the moment. It's good to be in a place like this and it's nice that they let you run around the track because it's so unique, it's an unusual track. To have a sluice round, come down the hill and around Tattenham Corner, it's just what you want."
Ralph Beckett is no stranger to an Epsom prospect in the Juddmonte colours, having trained Westover to finish third in the race in 2022. Macduff will be representing the fortunes of the yard in this year's Derby, following a comfortable workout alongside stablemate Lord Melbourne.
"He's a very straightforward customer and that was just to give him an away day, as much as anything else," said Beckett.
"Whether he's good enough is another thing entirely, but he's the right sort of horse in the terms of his makeup and we're confident he'll get the trip. We'll see how it goes.
"He'll run well I think, it's whether he's good enough. Westover was a different kettle of fish; I remember him dragging me around here two years ago whereas this fellow is a little more straightforward.
"I'm glad we're coming."
The quartet was completed by Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini, who was confirmed for the Derby rather than the French equivalent, and the Owen Burrows-trained Deira Mile, who worked eye-catchingly alongside stablemate Marhaba Million.
