Massaat and his chances of Epsom Derby success
Published:
When it comes to assessing all of the Derby form currently on the table, Massaat arguably trumps all of the other 17 Epsom entrants.
Massaat has only won a single maiden from his four career starts, but ended last season with a decent second in the Dewhurst behind Air Force Blue. His only run this term to date marked a clear step up in performance when runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas to Galileo Gold.
The handicapper assigned Massaat an official rating of 116 for his Newmarket effort, which makes him the highest rated in the Derby line up. For this reason alone, he is worthy of Derby interest at 14/1.
Understandably the chief concern is whether he has the stamina to step up to the 1m4f Derby distance, given Owen Burrows’ runner is yet to compete at a trip longer than 1m. There is a feeling that 1m2f may prove his maximum.
Looking back through his pedigree, there are some crumbs of optimism that the Derby distance may not be beyond him. His father Teofilo has sired winners of both the Irish Derby and Irish St Leger.
His dam Madany was nothing better than a sprint handicapper, but her dam was a winner over 1m5f. It’s possible that some of this stamina could have passed down the family tree.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
