JFK loses Derby favourite tag
There was a major shake up in the betting for Epsom Classic, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt being replaced as market leader by his stablemate Ol’ Man River.
The latter was promoted to head of the market at 6-1 with BetVictor as John F Kennedy was eased out to 7-1 from 7-2 after finishing last of three behind race-fit Success Days (10-1) in the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes.
Shane Foley ensured a true test by setting a solid pace on the Ken Condon-trained colt.
The writing was on the wall early in the straight as Success Days kicked clear to win unopposed by four and a half lengths from Zafilani, with 1-4 shot John F Kennedy and Ryan Moore a further six lengths away.
“We said we’d make use of him as he had the run under his belt and possibly had the edge in fitness,” said Condon.
“The other two were always going to want a lead and it worked out great. I’m delighted.
“He’s in the Irish Guineas, but has no other fancy entries. I think the Irish Derby is later closing now and that’s something we could look at.
“I’m sure the favourite will come out and do great things in the summer, but it was our day today.
“He got a little bit anxious in a Listed race here last year and we drew a line through that. He was good at Cork and here today.”
A great day for Foley got even better when the Jessica Harrington-trained Princess Aloof (16-1) claimed the concluding Follow Leopardstown On Facebook Handicap.
Harrington said: “I nearly didn’t run her as I thought the ground would be too soft, but she was ready to go and I’m delighted with her.
“She’ll keep going during the summer. She’s won at two, three and four now.”
Trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Pat Smullen followed up their four-timer at Gowran on Saturday with another four courtesy of Zannda, Zawraq, Stormfly and Zafayan.
Zawraq was a big mover in the Classic markets after running out an impressive winner of the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial.
Conqueror of the well-touted Sir Isaac Newton on his only start as a juvenile, the 11-8 favourite looked the part as he swept clear in the final quarter-mile to beat Endless Drama by three and a half lengths.
RaceBets quote the Shamardal colt at 12-1 from 25-1 for Epsom and 14-1 from 20-1 for the 2000 Guineas.
Weld said: “It was an excellent performance by a horse coming back. My immediate comment would be that I’ll discuss things with Sheikh Hamdan as he has a lot of horses in England entered in the Guineas.”
