Mellish: Constitution River "the best horse in the Derby"

Constitution River is the new ante-post favourite for the Betfred Derby after attracting significant market support on Sunday morning.

Aidan O'Brien's charge impressed in the Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes at Chester on his return to action in May and is now a best-priced 3-1 for the Epsom Classic on June 6. 

The three-year-old is a general 5-2 chance with other firms, including Paddy Power, and had been 6-4 with the same bookmakers for the Prix du Jockey Club, but is now out to 5-1 for the French Classic. 

Stablemate Benvenuto Cellini, who was the ante-post favourite for the Betfred Derby before Constitution River attracted support, is out to 7-2, and has been cut to 4-1 (from 10-1) for the French Derby on May 31.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “We have seen some notable movement in our Derby markets this morning with Constitution River shortening dramatically to 5-2 favourite from 9-2 for Epsom after sustained support, while he’s gone the other way in the French equivalent listing and has been usurped at the front of the market by Hawk Mountain for Chantilly.”

When discussing the Betfred Derby on Racing TV on Saturday evening, Racing TV pundit Steve Mellish said he believes Constitution River would be "the best horse going into the race", and thinks the Ballydoyle team will run their son of Wootton Bassett at Epsom. 

Mellish said: "This year’s Derby is fascinating. I hope, and I still half-think they will, run Constitution River. I thought he was really impressive at Chester. I think he would be the best horse going into the race.

"Aidan O’Brien has been quoted as saying that this horse will give him a headache by having to choose between Benvenuto Cellini and Constitution River (if that horse was aimed at Epsom). 

"I think the reason most people think the prices are separated as they are (between Benvenuto Cellini and Constitution River) is because most people think Constitution River is going to go to France (for the French Derby). If he does run (at Epsom), he will be vying for favouritism."

Mellish also discussed the Betfred Oaks on Racing TV on Saturday, and it's the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes winner who is catching his eye.

Mellish said: "At this stage, I like Legacy Link in the Oaks. I think 1m4f will suit her, and I think her form matches up with most of them. I’m a bit underwhelmed with Amelia Earhart. She might win, but I didn’t think it was a great race that she won at Chester. She’s clearly got her quirks as well."