Black-Type Analysis: Venetian Prince Eyes Italian Derby Riches
Updated: June 1, 2026 at 6:56 pm
Tuesday, San Siro (Milan), Italy, post time: 17:50, 143RD DERBY ITALIANO-G2, €640,200, 3yo, c/f, 11fT
Field: Archers Bay (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Arkansas (Fr) (Sottsass {Fr}), Bright Light (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Bruxelles (Ity) (Ruler Of The World {Ire}), Camponanes (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Dastan (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}), Dear Enemy (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}), Dr Omran (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), Ex Animo (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Grand Son Of Dark (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Hello Jo (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Pashang (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}), Quantas (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Salitos (Ire) (In Swoop {Ire}), Topo Cinese (Ire) (Japan {GB}), Venetian Prince (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}).
TDN Analysis: This 143rd renewal hosts a strong international contingent with last month's Listed Prix de l'Avre runner-up Bright Light featuring prominently in ante-post betting lists. His German compatriots include Darius Racing's Dastan, who punched his ticket to this with a Munich conditions tally in April, and TDN Rising Star Pashang, who blitzed his foes by seven lengths and more at Mulheim two weeks ago. Listed Prix Maurice Caillault victor and G3 Prix Greffulhe fourth Hello Jo is joined by the event's lone distaffer Arkansas, another Listed-winning Group 3 fourth, as the only raiders from France, while the Andrew Balding-conditioned G1 2000 Guineas 10th Venetian Prince and the Listed Newmarket Stakes third Archers Bay, representing last year's winning team of Marco Botti and Marco Ghiani, fly the flag for Britain. The domestic battalions are headed by G3 Premio Parioli (Italian 2000 Guineas) hero Grand Son Of Dark, who hails from the Endo Botti barn responsible for 2023 winner Goldenas. [Sean Cronin].
Tuesday, San Siro (Milan), Italy, post time: 16:30, PREMIO PRESIDENTE DELLA REPUBBLICA-G3, €200,200, 4yo/up, 9fT
Field: Alburno (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Best Lightning (Fr) (Sidestep {Aus}), Borna (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}), Grecian Storm (GB) (Churchill {Ire}), Woodchuck (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}).
TDN Analysis: The prolific Woodchuck commands respect in his quest for a third consecutive win in this Group 3, but it will be no easy task trying to concede weight to each of his five rivals. The strongest form belongs to the globetrotting Facteur Cheval, who drops markedly in grade as he seeks a first success since the 2024 Dubai Turf, while German raiders Best Lightning and Borna also have the ability to play a leading role. [Adam Houghton].
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