La Fortunata can find luck on her side in Epsom’s Investec Dash

It may not take all of the headlines on Derby day at Epsom Downs, but the Investec Dash is still one of the most spectacular sights in racing.

The 5f shootout has produced some incredibly close finishes in the past, with the 50/1 Stone Of Folca winning by half a length last year and Captain Dunne inching home by a neck from fellow Tim Easterby charge Confessional in 2011.

Captain Dunne is back for this year’s race and currently taking up a position near the head of the betting at 10/1, but he could face competition from a mare who was only beaten into third by a short head two years ago.

Mike Murphy’s La Fortunata can currently be found at 16/1, the same price she was ahead of that race in 2011.

Her strong form at Epsom makes her a legitimate each-way contender for the shortest race of Derby day, when she’ll be hoping to further improve upon an already impressive record.

In five races at the Surrey course Murphy’s charge has never finished outside of the first four, and with Ladbrokes paying out up to fourth place for the Investec Dash then her claims are obvious.

Her most recent outing saw her finish second by a short head over the five furlong Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap at Epsom last month, and the daughter of multiple six and seven furlong winner Lucky Story could go close at her favourite course again.

Murphy seemed buoyant on La Fortunata’s chances after that race in April.

“We call her ‘the pocket rocket’ because she is only small, but she hits the stalls really well and you need to do that in a five furlong race,” he said.

“Obviously, you need a good draw and luck in running but you need to be in it to win as they say.”

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing