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Saxon Warrior heads Derby betting after Beresford victory
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Saxon Warrior is favourite for next year's Investec Derby with some bookmakers after dominating his rivals in the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at Naas.
The Group Two contest has an illustrious roll of honour, with trainer Aidan O'Brien striking gold on a remarkable 16 previous occasions.
The last horse to claim this prize on the road to Derby glory was the brilliant Sea The Stars (2008), trained by John Oxx, and Saxon Warrior is the 6-1 market leader for the Epsom showpiece with Paddy Power after taking his career record to two from two in impressive style under Ryan Moore.
O'Brien said: "We thought he was a nice colt before he ran at the Curragh, but we felt that he was just ready to go racing. When Donnacha (O'Brien) eased him out, he took off and he had to be a good colt to do what he did.
"You're never sure until they run again, but it was a competitive race today and Ryan was delighted with him."
Following his visually impressive display at the Curragh a month ago, Saxon Warrior was the 5-6 favourite and after travelling in behind his pacesetting stablemate Kew Gardens, he picked up well without being asked for maximum effort by Moore to score by two and a half lengths.
Delano Roosevelt provided Ballydoyle with a one-two, just getting the better of Brendan Duke's pride and joy Warm The Voice to claim second.
Saxon Warrior holds an entry in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on October 28.
Asked if his charge could run again this season, O'Brien said: "It's possible, but it's not definite. He's a Classic colt."
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