'The most impressive winner since Golden Horn' - our experts' Derby assessments

What's your biggest takeaway from the 242nd Derby?

'Never be afraid to chance one at a big price'

I'm someone who largely tries to take on favourites and I think it was a reminder to always try and think outside of the box. The likes of Workforce (second in the Dante) and Wings Of Eagles (second in Chester Vase) proved you don't need to win your trials to win the big one and Adayar filled the same position at both Sandown and Lingfield. The maiden Mojo Star finished second, while last year's hero Serpentine took three attempts to break his duck and has won nothing else. Never be afraid to take a chance on one at a big price.
Maddy Playle, RPTV

'The most impressive winner since Golden Horn'

The gravy I won from Adayar. Jokes aside, it's a tough race to assess because he's thrashed a maiden with daylight back to the Dante winner in third, while the favourite Bolshoi Ballet has clearly underperformed. Adayar is the most visually impressive Derby winner I've seen since Golden Horn in 2015, but time will tell whether he can dominate over middle distances in the same way. I hope he's the real deal as the previous five winners proved underwhelming in subsequent runs.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

Watch Adam Kirby and Adayar win the Derby

Awesome Appleby an elite talent

Adam Kirby was rightfully to the forefront of much of the post-race discussion, but this was a result that again highlighted the supreme training talent of Charlie Appleby.

He wasn't represented in either of the fillies' Classics in Britain this season but was a short-head away from winning the 2,000 Guineas with Master Of The Seas – seeing his three runners finish second, fourth and sixth – and now he's had the 1-3-6 in the Derby.

Fresh from having beautifully managed the career of Ghaiyyath last season, Appleby is again delivering the goods in 2021, moulding a high-class team of colts to fly the Godolphin flag for the remainder of the campaign.
Mark Boylan, reporter

Read more on the Derby:

'It's mad, it's crazy' - Adam Kirby revels in breakthrough Classic on Adayar

The dramatic moment when Adam Kirby and brave Adayar secured Derby glory

All-weather to all-conquering: Kirby rises to occasion to become a Derby hero (Members' Club)

O'Brien at a loss over Bolshoi Ballet's defeat following 'lifeless' display (Members' Club)

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