Auld Burns to beat Cecil’s Derby hope at Goodwood

Henry Cecil may be hoping for a big performance from Picture Editor ahead of the Derby next month, but in his final start before Epsom he is likely to find Auld Burns too good in the IBA Cocked Hat Stakes.

Picture Editor was last seen making an ineffective attempt to set the pace for Frankel in the Greenham Stakes and eventually came home fifth at Newbury.

He returns to the racecourse for the Listed Race at Goodwood and should improve for the extra four furlongs and a winning display would make the horse Cecil’s leading Derby hope, with both Frankel and World Domination unlikely to run.

Picture Editor is currently 4/1 in the Goodwood betting and those believing that the 1m3f contest could be a springboard for Epsom can take advantage of ante-post Derby odds of 40/1.

Although clearly talented based on his form last season, Picture Editor may still have trouble winning the five-runner Goodwood race, particularly with both Auld Burns and Badeel among the opposition.

Badeel is the 6/4 favourite after an impressive win in handicap company last time and it is likely that he will attempt to test the field with a strong gallop again.

However, Richard Hannon has indicated that Auld Burns will be more patiently ridden by Richard Hughes and he can be delivered late to snatch victory.

Auld Burns hit the front too soon when third behind Genuis Beast at Sandown last month and certainly represents good value at 11/4 to win the IBA Cocked Hat Stakes.

Auld Burns has also beaten the other two runners in the Goodwood line-up – Namibian and Masked Marvel – previously and there is no reason to suggest that this form will be reversed.

A £30 stake on Auld Burns winning the IBA Cocked Hat Stakes would return £82.50. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.