Kensai (Fr) (Jukebox Jury {Ire}) and Fortissimo (Ger) (Lord of England {Ger}), trained in France and Germany, respectively, but owned by Italians, were the only foreign runners to accept for Sunday's G2 Derby Italiano despite a large purse of €704,000. Kensai, trained at Pau by the up-and-coming Simone Brogi, made a good account of himself when fourth in the Apr. 9 G3 Prix La Force at Chantilly, beaten just over a length. Brogi, who could become the first member of his family to win the Derby Italiano some 50 years after his grandfather Lorenzo began training, said, “Kensai did everything right in the Prix La Force and I just wanted to keep him fresh and happy. I have a slight concern about the trip; he stayed well at 1800 metres but I don't know if he will relish the extra 400 metres.”
The ground at Capannelle has turned heavy after a couple heavy thunderstorms in the area, but is expected to dry up somewhat. Owner Scuderia Incolinx, who won the Derby in 2010 with Worthadd (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and in 2016 with Super Chic (Ire) (Strategic Prince {GB}), bids for a third win with the unbeaten Anda Muchacho (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}). The colt is unbeaten in three starts and won the G3 Premio Parioli (Italian 2000 Guineas), outstaying Patriot Hero (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}).
Six of the 11 are trained at Cenaia by Alduino Botti and his son Stefano and each represent a different owner. The last owner to join the party is the Japanese Takaya Shimakawa, who purchased Mac Mahon (Ity) (Ramonti {Fr}), winner of the Listed Premio Emanuele Filiberto. Scuderia Effevi, which has won the Derby four times in the last 10 years, is represented by Ground Rules (Ity) (Aussie Rules), who was disqualified from first in the Premio Botticelli. Aethos (Ire) (Dragon Pulse (Ire)) is one of two group winners in the field and will relish the soft ground.
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