Telecaster Fancied to Spring Dante Shock

I rate the Dante as one of the best Derby trials, and this year looks to be no different. We have two big contenders from the biggest two yards in the UK and Ireland, as well as a number of dark horses making up the field of eight. There is a lot to like about the front two in the market, and they have the chance to enhance their Derby claims here, but I think the value is to be had elsewhere, in the form of the very lightly raced Telecaster.

This horse didn’t run as a two year old, but has quickly impressed us all during his three year old campaign. He came out for his first run and finished second at Doncaster, with only a very good horse too good for him. He was 20/1 that day, and probably did more than expected based on that, but that is a serious piece of form, and one that deserves a further upgrade because it was the first time he had been seen on a racecourse.

He went down by just over a length that day, and the winner of the race Bangkok has since won the Classic Trial at Sandown, which is a Group Three Derby trial. With experience under his belt, I would expect Telecaster to get the better of Bangkok should they meet again, and with Bangkok winning a Derby trial, that shows what kind of level we are talking here.

Telecaster was sent to Windsor for his second outing, and made no mistake, confirming the promise of his first run. He won a run of the mill novice race by nine lengths without being pressured at all, showing that he is a class above, and a genuine group horse in the making.

He is the main contender here who isn’t entered in the Derby, and a win would leave his owner with a very tough decision to make. The supplement fee for the Derby currently stands at £85,000, but if he goes close today then he certainly throws his hat right into the ring for the Epsom showpiece next month.

Of those in opposition, Japan hails from the all-conquering Aidan O’Brien yard, who have won plenty of Derby trials so far. They look sure to have a strong hand, and should this horse win here then who knows what they are going to run at Epsom, and what will swerve the race for other targets.

Too Darn Hot was fantastic as a two year old, and he was expected to return for a tilt at the Guineas before stepping up in trip. A bruised foot prevented that from happening and assuming he is back fully fit here then he has to go close based on the form he showed us last season.

Too Darn Hot is a worthy favourite, but the value is all with Telecaster here. The horse has a very bright future ahead of him, and I am hoping that the next step takes him to Dante glory at York.