20th Anniversary: 23-1 double as Galileo’s progeny bid to celebrate Dad’s Derby success

Quite remarkably, Wednesday the 9th of June marks the 20th anniversary of Galileo’s 2001 Derby victory. It was a magnificent performance, winning by three lengths and producing an RPR of 127. He’d go on to win another pair of Group 1 races as a three-year-old, going down on his sword in a titanic tussle with Fantastic Light to end his unbeaten streak at six.

His final hurrah on the racetrack was his defeat at the 2001 Breeders’ Cup, but his sire career has helped his legacy live on. Frankel, Rip Van Winkle, Nathaniel, Waldgeist, Australia and New Approach are just some of the incredible horses he has sired since his retirement.

Cork hosts a card on Wednesday headlined by the Munster Oaks and the Cork Derby. Galileo sires one in each race and the double pays 23-1, all the details are below.

3.30 Cork – Munster Oaks Stakes

A Group 3 contest, the Munster Oaks features some very promising horses. Galileo’s sole representative is High Heels for Aidan O’Brien and Wayne Lordan, who broke her maiden at the third attempt last summer. Upped in grade for the Listed Staffordstown Stud Stakes on her next start, she didn’t shape without promise over the mile distance.

Aimed at the Group 3 Blue Wind over ten furlongs on return, she was pushed along a fair way from home but kept on well enough for a never-threatening fourth. Although her pedigree doesn’t necessarily suggest it, stepping up in trip today could eke out further progress from this filly.

As with many of O’Brien’s horses, she should continue improving as she takes in more racing and she doesn’t have a huge amount to find on her best form. The firmer ground is another positive, and she’s one to take very seriously.

4.00 Cork – Cork Derby

The Cork Derby is a handicap contest and the one who makes most appeal is Federica Sophia for Dermot Weld. She’s had just the three runs thus far, making it second time lucky as a juvenile with a ten-furlong victory at Leopardstown in July 2020. That was a taking performance, and she was sent off favourite for her return at the same venue last month.

She was ultimately beaten, but she finished a promising fourth off a massive weight. Shaping as though she’d come on for the run when unable to go the leaders pace in the final 110 yards, even better can be expected today, especially upped in distance.

Raised just two pounds in the handicap, with the in-form Colin Keane retaining the ride, she’s an obvious candidate. She’s also our NAP of the Day, which bodes well!

Get clued up for the royal meeting with the latest Ascot tips and Ascot free bets to get a head start on your festival punting.