Rewilding

Rewilding did not handle the Epsom track at all in the Derby and he is even better than his effort in finishing third would suggest. The Godolphin horse never seemed at ease on the undulations, Frankie Dettori even looked down a few times when they went down the hill around Tattenham Corner to make sure the colt was alright. He was under pressure all the way down the hill but he only picked up when he straightened up after they turned for home and ran on well to take a clear third, and just failing to reach At First Sight.

This was a highly creditable effort from Mahmood Al Zarooni’s colt, he began slowly and never looked to be travelling on the track and was under pressure a long way from home, but he really picked up when he straightened up. The winner could be exceptional, the course-record time suggests as much, and At First Sight ran the race of his life with the race panning out to suit, to finish second. It was four lengths back from Rewilding to the next group who finished in a bunch, including Jan Vermeer, Midas Touch and Al Zir. It may well have been a well below average Derby, but it was run in a fast time and the form looks solid.

Rewilding left the impression that he would appreciate further and Frankie Dettori said afterwards that he could be a St Leger horse. The St Leger is an obvious target, but it is probable that he will be a big player staying over a mile and a half on a more conventional track. He would be of interest if he took his chance in the Irish Derby.

5th June 2010

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