Our first Derby contender...
MONACO CONSUL
3 c High Chaparral - Argante
8 starts - 3 wins, 1 second
Trainers: Mike & Paul Moroney
Major wins: G1 VRC Derby, G1 Spring Champion Stakes
Odds: 4-1
Replays:
Best: VRC Derby (1st):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw-VQPJW8hM
Last Start: International Stakes (7th):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpbZptRFPKU
+ Amazing in October/November
+ Distance will be no problem
+ Trainers have won the Derby twice in the last 10 years (Cut The Cake & Xcellent)
- 10th and 7th in last two starts. But some have said that 7th in the International wasn't as bad as it sounds - watch the replay and see what you think!
- Stable's not in great form at the moment
Verdict: If he shows up on Derby day in the form he was in four months ago, he's a huge winning chance. But he's looked like a different horse in his last two races, and time is running out for the stable to turn things around and get him back to his best. If they can do that, he's a serious contender. But I'd have him at about 12-1 at the moment.