Saeed bin Suroor confident of a big Derby run from Military March

It’s twenty-five years since the Walter Swinburn-ridden Lammtarra swooped down the outside to win the Derby. That remains the sole winner in the race for trainer Saeed bin Suroor but he feels he has his best chance for a long time in Military March.

From the trainer

Speaking to David Milnes of the Racing Post, bin Suroor said “I really like him. He was a little on the weak side last year but still managed to win in July over seven furlongs and then over a mile in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes. He ran a great comeback when fourth in the 2,000 Guineas. We know he needs a trip and I see him as a credible Derby type who will like the trip and should handle the undulations. He developed nicely over the winter and can only get stronger going forward.”

Breeding

New Approach X Punctilious.

His sire won the Derby in 2008 and has had a Derby winner as a sire in the Charlie Appleby-trained Masar for Godolphin.

His dam was third to Ouija Board in the Oaks before running that same filly closer when second in the Irish Oaks. A Derby-winning sire and an Oaks placed dam, Military March certainly fits the bill for Epsom on breeding.

His brother Clongowes was not up to Group class but was a very smart handicapper. Rated 98 at his peak, he stayed two miles so Military March might yet end up as a St Leger type over fourteen furlongs later in the season.

Epsom

The first Saturday in July is the date in the diary this season. An extra month for him to mature a little more would look a benefit in his bid to reverse the Guineas placings with Kameko. He has handled the undulations at Newmarket fine on all three of his starts though is yet to go round a bend. Epsom is a unique test but he looks to have the tools needed to to make an impact.

Read more:

• Young talent Tom Marquand loses Derby ride to Frankie Dettori 
• Gary Moore all but rules out tilt at Ebor with stable star Goshen