Three of the first five home in last year’s Epsom Derby including winner Anthony Van Dyck could contest the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Newmarket, according to trainer Aidan O’Brien.
The 1m 4f contest normally run on Oaks day at Epsom switches to Friday, 5 June on Guineas Weekend. That Newmarket meeting is a bumper three-day event this year with plenty of Ballydoyle raiders as likely runners.
Joining Anthony Van Dyck as potential runners are Derrinstown Trial scorer Broome and Chester Vase winner Sir Dragonet.
“It is very possible that one, two or three of those could run,” O’Brien said of the trio. Anthony Van Dyck struggled on a softer surface on his last British start, however.
“Running on soft ground at Ascot in the King George was not the right thing to do and he paid for it,” added O’Brien.
“He is in good form and we are happy with his work. The plan is to keep him on good ground and he is doing everything right at the moment.”
Jamie Clark, Horsebetting.com Editor
Just three-quarters of a length separated Anthony Van Dyck, Broome and Sir Dragonet at Epsom Downs last June. None of the three have won since either their Derby trials or Classic victories, however.
Anthony Van Dyck placed three times after his big race win at Epsom – in the Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Broome had just one outing since his Epsom Derby fourth, in the Irish equivalent and is freshest. Sir Dragonet, meanwhile, may find 1m 4f is his optimum trip after finishing out of the frame in the Royal Whip and St Leger.
O’Brien has won eight of the last 15 renewals of the Coronation Cup, so anything heading to Newmarket commands respect. Each of his contenders this year have something to prove, though.
