Unbeaten horse ‘who never stops improving’ sparks huge Derby shake-up with shock £75,000 entry in Epsom race

AN unbeaten superstar who ‘never stops improving’ has sparked a huge Derby shake-up – after being supplemented at a cost £75,000.

The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak, who is owned by the family of the late Aga Khan, is one of 20 still in the £1.5million race.

PA

Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix is the Derby fav – but is proving easy to back as one of 20 confirmed for the £1.5million Epsom race[/caption]

Three from three in his career and seemingly destined for greatness, the Footstepsinthesand colt was one of two added to the race on Monday.

Juddmonte stumped up the massive figure to add the Henri-Francois Devin-trained New Ground as well.

Aidan O’Brien confirmed 9-4 favourite Delacroix, Lambourn and alarming market drifter The Lion In Winter as his big three for Saturday’s blockbuster.

Ruling Court, Charlie Appleby’s 2000 Guineas winner, stood his ground too.

He’s been the one for money in recent days with Delacroix a slight drifter having previously been hammered in.

Dante winner Pride Of Arras for Ralph Beckett was among those confirmed as well.

Seven horses in all were withdrawn, including James Owen’s Royal Lodge winner Wimbledon Hawkeye and O’Brien’s Shackleton.

Betfred spokesperson Matt Hulmes said: “We have added unbeaten Prix Greffulhe winner Midak into our betting at 14-1 while Juddmonte’s New Ground is available at 16-1.

“It is only fitting that the famous green and red silks of the late His Highness Aga Khan are carried in the Betfred Derby in a year we remember him.

“The addition of these two French contenders is fantastic news for the race.

“It affirms the Betfred Derby as the leading test of a thoroughbred, enhances the race and provides another consideration for punters to a fascinating renewal”.

While Coral’s David Stevens added: “At this stage it looks as if Ryan Moore will be on board Delacroix in Saturday’s Derby.

“And if that is the case his mount looks certain to start favourite, although Ruling Court has closed the gap at the head of our betting as the Godolphin colt seeks his second Classic win.”

Latest Betfred Derby odds

9-4 Delacroix
4-1 Pride of Arras, Ruling Court
6-1 The Lion In Winter
10-1 Damysus
12-1 Lambourn
14-1 Midak
16-1 Stanhope Gardens
20-1 Nightwalker, New Ground
33-1 Tornado Alert
50-1 Tennessee Stud
66-1 Puppet Master. Sea Scout, Tuscan Hills, Lazy Griff
100-1 Al Wasl Storm. Green Storm, Nightime Dancer
200-1 Rogue Impact

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