Several Derby hopefuls had their final prep gallop over the Epsom Downs this morning in a session organized by The Jockey Club. Among those putting their mounts through their paces were experienced jockeys James Doyle, Rab Havlin, and David Probert, each evaluating their rides and sharing insights into how their contenders handled the nuances of the undulating track.
James Doyle partnered Damysus, a striking presence with his distinct markings and confident demeanor. The colt handled the Epsom layout with remarkable poise, moving fluidly and adjusting his leads at just the right moments – a vital trait for navigating the unique challenges of the Downs. Doyle was particularly impressed by how the horse stayed balanced through key turns and transitions, particularly around the tricky Tattenham Corner. With a temperament suited to high-pressure environments and a stride that suggests both efficiency and acceleration, Damysus seems to be ticking the right boxes ahead of the big day. Doyle noted the horse’s progression from a novice winner to holding his own in Group company, and while there were some tactical hiccups in the Dante Stakes, the upward trajectory is undeniable.
Rab Havlin was aboard Nightwalker, a colt who’s slowly coming into his own. The morning gallop gave Havlin a clearer sense of the horse’s growing maturity, especially in the way he adjusted his movement on the downhill sections. The Epsom experience offered a valuable learning opportunity, especially for a runner who had shown signs of greenness in previous starts. Havlin believes the longer distance will suit Nightwalker, particularly given how he stayed on at the finish in the Dante. Despite a less-than-ideal trip in that race, the colt’s late effort left a strong impression. Havlin, who narrowly missed Derby glory last year on Ambiente Friendly, knows the significance of this race and sees real potential in Nightwalker to make an impact.
David Probert rode Al Wasl Storm, a less experienced but promising type. With no lead horse to guide him, the colt had to figure things out on his own, and he responded with a composed and sharp piece of work. Probert praised the colt’s attitude and adaptability, pointing to his performance at Chester as proof of his grit. That front-running effort showed he can maintain momentum under pressure, and today’s outing reassured Probert that the horse has continued to develop mentally. The way Al Wasl Storm handled Epsom’s contours suggests he could thrive over the Derby distance, and his connections, led by the enthusiastic Green Team and Ahmad Al Shaikh, are quietly optimistic.
Each jockey echoed the same sentiment – riding in The Derby is the pinnacle of Flat racing. Whether it’s Doyle looking for his first win in the Classic, Havlin reflecting on how close he came, or Probert chasing the dream, the ambition remains the same. With a field shaping up to be competitive and full of stories, these gallops provided not just vital information for the jockeys and trainers, but also a glimpse into the Derby aspirations of three emerging contenders.
