In The Wings

Untried even at home until March, Lady Bamford's homebred Wings of Desire (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) bids to advance his rapid upward trajectory from zero to hero in Saturday's G1 Investec Derby at Epsom. Already a winner of the esteemed G2 Dante S. after debuting less than a month previously, the close relative of the 2009 Oaks winner Sariska (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) has been described by John Gosden as “slightly freakish,” and that description could prove apt if he can provide his trainer with a third Derby after the wins of Benny the Dip in 1997 and Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) 12 months ago.

“In fairness to the horse, he came in as a little round ball. He just started growing and growing,” Gosden said. “Pivotal isn't known as a sire of 2-year-olds, he's from a staying family and his brother [Eagle Top {GB}] didn't run at two. He only did his first half-speed on Mar. 15. You'd love to have another run, but he's a big, strapping, strong colt now. He is unusual in what he has done–most horses have had education at two either through work or racing. But in this case, he missed it all. So to come from doing your first half-speed, swinging canter in mid-March to winning a Dante in the middle of May is unusual–slightly freakish.”

Having beaten Deauville (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in York's extended 10-furlong prep May 12, he has substance to his form, with that rival having won the G3 Tyros S. at Leopardstown in July and finished runner-up in the G2 Royal Lodge S. at Newmarket in September.

“He's got a gorgeous frame and a good mind on him and he's learning quick,” Gosden continued. “He's a lovely horse, but he's extraordinarily laid-back. He doesn't really bother about anything and his favourite habits are eating and sleeping.”

Frankie Dettori is also looking for a third Derby and added, “I've got a good favourite's chance and the forecast rain doesn't do us any harm. He'll definitely stay too. It's going to be another incredible renewal, you can be sure of that.”

The Magic Touch…

With Godolphin saddling a formidable duo from Ireland and France in Moonlight Magic (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Cloth of Stars (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), respectively, the boys in blue must have high hopes of capturing the blue riband in their own silks. The former, who has been steered here by Jim Bolger, is related to the former Derby heroes Galileo (Ire) and Sea the Stars and his dam's sire is the operation's 1995 winner Lammtarra. Only fifth in the G3 Ballysax S. over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown Apr. 10, he returned to that course and distance to beat Shogun (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and Idaho (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial last time May 8.

“I rate him as a good Derby prospect and I would not swap him for anything else in the race,” Bolger said. “He has the looks, the demeanour, the balance and temperament to go with his pedigree. He is a beautifully-balanced horse, so he should handle Epsom well. He is a very straightforward colt and a lovely horse to work with.”

Andre Fabre is responsible for handling Cloth of Stars who, like his prior Epsom victor Pour Moi (Ire), warmed up with success in the G2 Prix Greffulhe over a mile and a quarter at Saint-Cloud May 8.

One Better?

Sir Percy (GB) and New Approach (Ire) were two runner's-up in the G1 2000 Guineas to improve on their position here in 2006 and 2008, respectively, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Massaat (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) bids to follow suit this time. Also second in the G1 Dewhurst S. at Newmarket in October, the homebred chased home the pacier Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}) by 1 1/2 lengths in that track's main event Apr. 30, and that form sets the standard. Jockey Paul Hanagan is approaching the step-up by a half-mile with positivity.

“Whatever he did in the Guineas, he's going to improve both mentally and physically. There's a bit of a question mark about the trip, but he just gives me that impression he will stay,” he explained. “I've sat on him two or three times after his run in the Guineas. He's come out of the race really well. He's in good form, so I'm just looking forward to the big day. He's quite straightforward, but you just don't know about Epsom.”

His Highness The Aga Khan has enjoyed success in this on four occasions and the Ballysax winner Harzand (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) has solid claims of providing his trainer Dermot Weld with a first Derby winner from eight runners, with Casual Conquest (Ire) (Hernando {Fr}) currently his best finisher when third in 2008. The abundant rain will aid his cause, as it will Kirsten Rausing's Algometer (GB) (Archipenko). Runner-up to Midterm (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in the Apr. 22 G3 Sandown Classic Trial, the homebred ground out a success in Goodwood's Listed Cocked Hat S. over 11 furlongs last time May 20, and trainer David Simcock told the Daily Mail, “He is a horse which is improving with racing. He will get a mile and a half well. Whether his acceleration is as quick as some of the others I don't know, but he will be staying on strongly at the finish.”