Los Angeles announced himself as a legitimate Derby contender, grinding out an impressive one-length victory in the Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown to remain unbeaten and book his ticket to Epsom. In this article we talk about Los Angeles Ready to Join Aidan O’Brien’s Team for the Derby after winning a trial.
The imposing son of 2012 Derby hero Camelot is now set to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a record 10th win in the premier Classic after proving his stamina and determination over the extended 10-furlong trip.
With only two previous runs, Los Angeles went off the 4-5 favorite under jockey Seamus Heffernan and dictated affairs from the front. The three-year-old colt quickened nicely in the straight to account for stablemate Euphoric, who stuck to his task well to take second.
O’Brien’s representative Chris Armstrong expressed confidence Los Angeles would progress again for the step up to 12 furlongs at Epsom, especially as he is still quite raw and open to improvement mentally and physically.
“The run’s going to bring him on a ton and when he steps up to a mile-and-a-half, he’ll improve,” Armstrong predicted. “He’s now bang in the Derby picture.”
Pedigree Suggests Mile-and-a-Half Within Reach
As a son of Camelot, who handled Epsom with aplomb when winning the 2012 Derby for O’Brien, Los Angeles is bred to relish the unique twists and turns of the Downs and the stamina test the track provides.
He also possesses the requisite size and scope to make up into a Derby type, with Armstrong describing him as “a big horse but a beautiful mover.” The Camelot traits are clearly evident in his willing attitude and professional racecraft.
Having won the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud on his second start, Los Angeles brought strong juvenile form to the table. But after missing an intended comeback run due to quick ground, he entered the Derby Trial lacking a bit of match sharpness.
This run should set him up perfectly for Epsom, however, where Los Angeles is now quoted as a 9-1 chance to provide his illustrious trainer with yet another Derby.
O’Brien Dominates Derby Trial
The Derby Trial result provided further evidence of the strength and depth of O’Brien’s Epsom team, with his charges filling the first two places.
While Los Angeles earned his shot at Derby glory, the runner-up Euphoric also acquitted himself well and looks set to play a supporting role at Epsom. O’Brien is typically well-represented in the premier Classic, boasting a formidable record of nine wins since 2001.
He can call upon the top-class Luxembourg, the ante-post favorite after his scintillating Vertem Futurity Trophy success last season. But injury has delayed his reappearance, meaning Los Angeles, Euphoric and Point Lonsdale could spearhead the Ballydoyle battalion on June 1.
French Classics Fall to Home Trainers
While Los Angeles staked his Epsom claim in Ireland, the French Guineas at Longchamp were kept in native hands, with Rouhiya landing the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas) under jockey Mickael Barzalona for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.
The Aga Khan’s homebred filly quickened stylishly to lead inside the final furlong and scored decisively from British raider Dancing Gemini. Kathmandu also traveled from the UK but couldn’t quite reel in the winner for trainer Brian Meehan.
Metropolitan provided further success for the home team in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas), showing a likeable attitude to prevail from Charlie Appleby’s Modern Games. Dancing Gemini is set to be supplemented for the Epsom Derby after her eye-catching effort.
So the French Classics heroes will not clash with Los Angeles at Epsom, but the son of Camelot could well take on Modern Games in the premier Classic of the British flat season as he continues his progression for master trainer Aidan O’Brien. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Los Angeles Ready to Join Aidan O’Brien’s Team for the Derby after winning a trial” article.