A foot abscess isn't good news at the best of times, let alone a week before a major stepping stone on the way to the top. That was the case for leading middle-distance performer and Betvictor London Gold Cup winner Bay Bridge, who was as short as 11-4 for the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) before being ruled out June 11
Not only do connections potentially miss out on winning a valuable group 2, but the race itself has suffered. Following Bay Bridge's withdrawal and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Sir Lamorak taking up his engagement in the June 18 King George V, this year's running lacks the depth we have seen in recent times.
Nevertheless, Cazoo Derby (G1) form is relevant courtesy of Gear Up, the sole 3-year-old to quickly back-up after running at Epsom June 5. The son of Teofilo took his racing well last year, as most of Mark Johnston-trained horses do, but has yet to prove that he has taken a step forward from 2 to 3.
"It's a quick turnaround from the Derby, but Mark (Johnston) has been adept in the past at getting horses to perform well after recent runs," said Richard Ryan, racing manager for Teme Valley, the owners of Gear Up. "The ground was quite dead at Epsom and a different track on a more consistent surface should suit. A smaller field will be a big help too."
Gear Up has already earned more than twice as much as he cost as a yearling (£109,000, US$162,324, compared to €52,000, US$56,853), most of it by winning the Criterium de Saint-Cloud (G1) last October on heavy ground, and is already considered a revelation. Any rain will increase his chance but his Epsom effort when 10th beaten 21 lengths showed little sign of life.
There is also a Derby link through Alenquer, whose German pedigree would leave the best bloodstock judges scratching their heads. The mix of speed and stamina doesn't sell Alenquer as a 12-furlong specialist, but there is little arguing how well he fended off subsequent Epsom winner Adayar—and the re-opposing Yibir—to land the Bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown in April.
Although favored by a clear pace bias on a track that often suits prominent racers, Alenquer gave plenty for pressure and visually found his best stride inside the final 100 yards. Given how well Adayar hit the line in the Derby, Alenquer's game display should be marked up. He can clearly sustain his speed for a fair distance.
That piece of form alone makes him the horse to beat and it's not easy to envisage a form reversal with Yibir. Soft-ground form at 2 offers further reason to side with him, while a shoulder sit alongside Gear Up looks the likely orders for Tom Marquand's mount.
"(Alenquer will) cope with rain," said trainer William Haggas. "He's lightly raced and stayed well at Sandown. I think stepping up to a mile and a half will be right up his street."
Todd Saddles First Royal Ascot Runner
Sir Mark Todd is no stranger to high-pressure situations, but admitted to feeling some nerves before saddling his first Royal Ascot runner.
The trainer twice won Olympic gold as an event rider, but breaks new ground with Tasman Bay, who was second in a listed race last time. He runs in the colors of Sir Peter Vela, a Melbourne Cup-winning owner who owned Todd's 2011 Badminton winner NZB Land Vision.
"I'm very excited but a bit nervous," said Todd. "I feel lucky to have a horse capable of running at Royal Ascot. He seems fit and well. Unfortunately, we've drawn the outside of the field, but he'll have plenty of time over that trip, and hopefully, he can find some cover."
