Montreal

Now that the obvious TDN Rising Stars, Presented by Hagyard have been dealt with, it is time to turn to the "darker" ones among last year's crop. Not that there is such thing as a truly dark horse anymore thanks to detailed data and the vastly greater scope of media coverage of the better maidens and novices. We're not there yet, for some reason, but there will be a time when we will know almost instantly whether we've seen a genuine good horse or not through meaningful stride and time...

Aidan O'Brien has talked up the credentials of ante-post Derby favourite Pierre Bonnard (Camelot) but put forward 20-1 chance Montreal (Sea The Stars) as being a potential sleeper in the market for the Epsom Classic.  O'Brien has won the past three editions of the Derby - with Lambourn, City Of Troy and Auguste Rodin - and will be bidding to land a record-extending 12th success in the race this year.  Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Pierre Bonnard was reported to be on track to run in the key Derby...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a half-brother to G2 Blandford Stakes winner and G1 Irish Oaks second Cayenne Pepper. 5.25 Leopardstown, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, 8fT MONTREAL (IRE) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is one of two Ballydoyle runners in this maiden won in 2022 by Tower Of London and the choice of...