Doubts over Mill Derby bid
David Elsworth has revealed serious doubts about both the track and the ground at Epsom ahead of Salford Mill’s Vodafone Derby bid.
The trainer brought his colt for a public exercise at the Derby course on Thursday morning and while his big-race jockey Ted Durcan was satisfied with his performance, he was workman-like as he edged out his companion Foodbroker Founder.
As low as 8-1 with Paddy Power for the Derby, Salford Mill has sound credentials having won the Newmarket Stakes tidily at the start of the month.
However, he performed badly in a spin last week and Elsworth warned any ease in conditions would put his participation on June 2 in jeopardy.
“We thought it was a good idea to show him the course,” he said. “We didn’t take the Dante in and we sort of reverted to Plan B which was to bring him here.
“He didn’t work well at Newmarket last week, it has been well publicised. I think it might be misleading, but he didn’t so there we go.
“This morning he showed us he was in good form but the ground was a concern. I don’t think he copes with cut in the ground.
“Though he is a big horse, he is heavy on his forelegs and takes a bit of riding. If it were soft I would be very worried about the race. Perhaps the Derby is not the race for him.
“It is the premier three-year-old race and you like to take part if you have a horse who is in that league, but it’s not the only race.
“Don’t misinterpret what I am saying, but if it did come up softer we would have reservations about running.
“He has run his races on fast ground and does take a bit of time to get into top gear.”
Elsworth continued: “I would be less than honest if I didn’t say this may not be his ideal course. But it’s got to be an advantage to have been round there and he certainly needs a mile and a half. He’s a good horse and he could win, but we’ll see.”
Durcan partnered Salford Mill when he was narrowly beaten by Petara Bay in the Fielden Stakes on his previous outing and liked what he saw.
“He’s a lovely big horse and well organised,” said Durcan.
“He was just having a look around, he was on his own for a long way up the straight. I just shook him up a bit and we were happy.
“He’s my best chance in the Derby by a long way.
“Mr Elsworth has brought him along slowly. He won well on his last run and hopefully, with luck in running, I wouldn’t swap him for anything.”
Elsworth will have to wait on the weather now, with Andrew Cooper, Epsom’s clerk of the course, reporting: “It is good ground and it probably looked slightly softer than it will on raceday.
“We have mixed reports on the forecast but will sit tight for the next few days.”
