Derby Tracker – Record of those not Suited or Ready for Derby

by Dean Elliott.

Running those immature types without the grounding for a tough 2500 metres can be detrimental to its future prospects.

I hate to single out one horse, but a prime example is Tips And Beers in 2013.

A lightly raced promising type that strung two wins together at his 3rd and 4th runs, culminating in a 1600m race on October 16 (same race Efficient won en route to Derby glory).

Tips and Beers was a very lightly framed horse in his first racing preparation.

This just screams lack of foundation and damaged goods waiting to happen.

Just 17 days after his 1600 metre win (with a 4th from eight in the Vase in between) he finds himself in the VRC Derby.

Surprise, surprise, he over-races and runs tailed off last and in five subsequent runs after a break, he is yet to place.

Imagine if he had of been put away after that 1600 metre win.

He could have been competing in his class over the Autumn & Winter and picking up more races and more prize money.

Having given my 2013 example, I’ll add one to the mix from 2012 – Our Desert Warrior.

Ran in the Derby just five weeks after making its debut.

Has been highly spoken of throughout its career and its best effort has been a BM69 win.

Our Desert Warrior’s recent starts have been well below par and there has to be an element of that which is due to over-taxing in the Derby.

I see he is now on the path to be rejuvenated as a jumper.

The list could go on, but let’s look to the positives and continue on our quest to find this year’s VRC Derby winner.

Next up we look at ‘Pedigree – how do I know if he’ll stay the trip?‘.

Article written by Dean Elliott (BDM at William Hill and Horse Racing & Breeding enthusiast)