William Buick is confident that his Derby mount Jack Hobbs will handle the tricky Epsom track at raceday speed and that he will be fighting out the finish with Golden Horn, the colt he rode to victory in the Dante Stakes at York last month.
William Buick is confident that his Derby mount Jack Hobbs will handle the tricky Epsom track at raceday speed and that he will be fighting out the finish with Golden Horn, the colt he rode to victory in the Dante Stakes at York last month.
"The Dante was the best trial of them all," Buick declared. "And I feel it was a very good Dante this year. The important thing is that I believe Jack Hobbs has improved since the Dante."
It is rare to see jockeys swap mounts after an important trial, but circumstances dictated on this occasion.
Godolphin bought in to Jack Hobbs, so Buick now rides the colt for his retaining stable. Frankie Dettori, who had been aboard Jack Hobbs at York, now rides Golden Horn, who remains unbeaten.
"Of course, on form, Jack Hobbs has to improve if he is going to reverse the York form with Golden Horn, but I seriously believe that he can," Buick added.
"You couldn't say Golden Horn is a doubtful stayer after the way he went to the line in the Dante, but there are question marks.
"He is not bred to get it (the mile and a half)," he pointed out.
In the 12-horse field, Jack Hobbs drew 10, while Golden Horn starts from stall 8.
"I'm happy with the draw," Buick said. "Jack Hobbs is an uncomplicated horse. I thought he handled Epsom very well at Breakfast With The Stars. He is learning all the time.
"At York he felt a very raw horse, but I think the race has made a man of him. He goes to Epsom on Derby Day a much wiser horse," he said.
Buick added that while Jack Hobbs did not need soft ground to be seen at his best, a little 'give' underfoot would be appreciated. "He likes to get his toe in," he said.
Trainer John Gosden had expressed concerns about the track drying out, but showers on Friday morning at Epsom may have allayed those fears. Gosden said he planned to walk the entire Derby course before the Classic on Saturday.
