'He's a top-class three-year-old' - Cazoo Derby performances analysed

Desert Crown delivered on market expectations to win a sixth Derby for Sir Michael Stoute and a first for jockey Richard Kingscote, with two and a half lengths back to surprise runner-up Hoo Ya Mal. Desert Crown's performance, and the runs of several in behind, come under the microscope here . . .

2022 Cazoo Derby: full result and expert analysis

1 Desert Crown (5-2 F)

Desert Crown entered the race with an official mark of 117 off the back of just two starts, most recently impressive in the Dante despite reportedly having had a hold up in his preparation, and he could be called the winner of this race, over the longer trip, from three furlongs out, his rider taking a pull before rightly deciding he couldn't wait any longer and going for home two furlongs out.

Even though he would have had more to do had Westover not been stopped in his run and there are some doubts over the form, he's a top-class three-year-old who looks set to have a say in all the major middle-distance prizes this year, with Paddy Power cutting him to 2-1 favourite (from 8) for the Arc.

There'll be races such as the Eclipse, King George and Irish Champion Stakes to consider in the meantime and he's the most exciting horse his trainer, who was winning the Derby for a sixth time, has had in some time. This was a first Derby winner for Richard Kingscote at the second attempt.

2 Hoo Ya Mal (150-1)

Hoo Ya Mal, blown away by Nation's Pride at Newmarket, improved by 12lb on his previous best according to the provisional Racing Post Ratings, enjoying a nice trip around the inner and benefiting from the step up to 1m4f.

He was a lucky second, but this was still a huge run and he'll presumably take his chance in the Irish version in a few weeks' time.

Desert Crown leads home Hoo Ya Mal in the DerbyCredit: Getty Images

3 Westover (25-1)

Westover, who won the Sandown Classic trial, is a magnificent-looking son of Frankel and he relished the step up to 1m4f, but he never had a fair crack at the winner, being stopped in his run over two furlongs out until finally getting switched approaching the last furlong.

He duly ate up the ground, albeit hanging left a bit, to just miss second and his rider couldn't pull him up afterwards, suggesting he could have given the winner more of a race.

He's entered in everything and appeals as the type to be suited to the Irish Derby, where the galloping nature of the Curragh should play to his strengths, before potentially being pointed at the St Leger.

Members can watch the replay here

4 Masekela (66-1)

Masekela, runner-up in the Listed Feilden Stakes on reappearance, was subject to a jockey change on the day and, like his stablemate in second, showed improved form for the step up to 1m4f, also outrunning his huge odds. He could be one for the Bahrain Trophy next month.

5 Changingoftheguard (9-1)

Changingoftheguard, who hammered his only serious rival on soft ground in the Chester Vase, fared best of the Ballydoyle squadron, fitted with first-time cheekpieces, boxing on well having looked a sitting duck from the moment they swung for home. He'll presumably head to the Curragh.

6 Stone Age (7-2)

Stone Age was the Ballydoyle number one, following a demolition job of his rivals, chiefly Glory Daze, in last month's Derby trial (formerly Derrinstown) at Leopardstown, but he didn't look entirely comfortable on the track once asked for his effort in the straight and finished well held.

He's better than this and can show it back at 1m2f on a more conventional course.

7 Nahanni (25-1)

Nahanni can have his effort upgraded considering he was slow to break and right at the back of the field, when it had surely been the plan to have him up with the pace. A gutsy winner of the Blue Riband trial at this course, he's a real grinder who would be an ideal type for the Queen's Vase, although that could come too soon this year.

The Bahrain Trophy, won by the same connections' Yibir last season, would look a suitable alternative option.

8 Nations Pride (15-2)

Nations Pride, supplemented at a cost of £75,000, having been impressive when hammering this runner-up at Newmarket last time, just didn't pick up well enough down the outer and this track probably wasn't for him.

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Read more on the Derby . . .

Desert Crown dominates to provide Sir Michael Stoute with super sixth Derby win

Did we see a superstar in the Derby? Racing Post experts' view

Richard Kingscote: 'It's surreal - lots of good jockeys don't ride in the Derby let alone win it'

'I didn’t know why he was that price' - owner proud of 150-1 Derby runner-up

'He's a huge talent - it's frustrating' - Rob Hornby on the luckless Westover

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