Gosden Duo Gallop At Epsom

Trainer John Gosden sent out two of his G1 Epsom Derby contenders, favorite Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Jack Hobbs (GB) (Halling), for a spin around the Derby course at Epsom’s Breakfast With The Stars Tuesday, and Gosden said he was “happy” with the G2 Dante S. one-two after watching each of them train with a lead horse. 

“I was very happy with them,” the conditioner said. “They relaxed well and moved well down the hill. It was just a breezy piece of work. They are young horses and it was a good experience for them to feel their way around the track. It is a peculiar track and it is something that you can’t rehearse at home. They will do a piece of work at the weekend and then we will be where we want to be with them.” 

Both Gosden runners have stamina questions to answer, but the trainer expressed confidence. 

“I am pretty sure that Jack Hobbs will get the trip and Golden Horn will probably get it on account that he is very laid-back,” he said. “That will help him as, if it is a true test, he will need to see out the mile and a half. I think it is an interesting race, even though people have made it a bit one-dimensional.” 

Gosden described Golden Horn as “asleep” during his gallop, noting that relaxation will help him get the trip, and jockey Frankie Dettori added, “Golden Horn handled the track OK. He is a very laid-back character and he needs a crowd to rev him up. He will be a better horse on the race day.” 

William Buick, aboard Jack Hobbs, said, “Jack Hobbs felt very comfortable coming down the hill. We didn’t press any buttons but he is still learning about the game. Every step he takes is going forward. The ground was perfect for him out there.”