Two weeks ago Sir Dragonet was an unraced three-year-old who had shown nothing spectacular at Aidan O’Brien’s yard. Two wins later and the colt is second favourite for the Derby at Epsom and the 50-1 that was around for the horse is now only 5-1 after winning the Chester Vase yesterday.
Too Darn Hot, who skipped the 2000 Guineas, is still the favourite, but there was no doubt that Sir Dragonet’s win, on a course that has a lot of similarities to the undulating Epsom track that will host the Derby on June 1, was a real eye opener.
The way the horse extended for Donnacha O’Brien and saw off the likes of stablemate Norway and joint favourites King Ottokar and Technician to win the Chester Vase – over a fraction longer than the Derby trip – bodes well. Owners Coolmore now just have to pay a mere £85,000 to supplement the horse, which seems pretty certain to happen.
O’Brien junior joined Sky Sports Racing analyst Jamie Lynch to give his insight into the race and the horse afterwards and it was a fascinating watch.
Fascinating watch… @donnacha_obrien and @LynchySSR dissect Sir Dragonet’s devastating performance in the Chester Vase… #BoodlesMayFest pic.twitter.com/oxkaEcPeQ5
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) 8 May 2019
Epsom Derby Betting (June 1): 9-2 Too Darn Hot, 5-1 Sir Dragonet, 7-1 Japan, 10-1 Broome, 12-1 Anthony Van Dyck, 14-1 Dubai Warrior, 16-1, Bankok, Madhmoon, Line Of Duty, 20-1 Bar
