Holly Doyle Blog: Benvenuto Cellini could gift Ryan Moore a fifth Derby win | Racing news

Holly Doyle provides an update on her injuries and Derby Day preview in the latest installment of her exclusive blog.

It is best to stay at home after foot surgery

After nearly two weeks in two different hospitals, it’s great to be back home to continue my recovery from the broken leg I sustained in that terrible fall in Bath.

The operation on Tuesday to repair a pylon (shinbone) fracture in my left leg seems to have gone well. It is stabilized with a metal plate but I have to rest for six weeks before starting weight bearing exercises.

I can’t wait to start my rehabilitation at Oaksey House in Lambourn – a wonderful facility that I’m so lucky to have so close to home. While it’s too soon to say how long I’ll be out of action, that’s my primary goal.

Tom has a Derby claim but the draw is tough

I am hoping there is only one result Betfred Derby (4.00) At Epsom on Saturday – A win for my husband Tom Marquand’s mount Maltese cross.

It would be amazing to see Tom add this great race to his CV and William Haggus’ colt boasts strong credentials. He is well balanced, stays well and has a telling turn of foot. But the low draw at stall one is a concern.

Getting a good starting position from there can be very difficult but if Tom can somehow overcome this he can come in for a memorable ride on a horse that I’m sure will improve again for this greater test of stamina.

Cellini could give Moore a fifth success

Aidan O’Brien has made this race his own over the years and has two stand-out performers in the favourites. Welcome Selini and stable companion Pierre Bonnard. While both bring outstanding credentials to the Colt Classic, Ryan Moore appears to be on the right side.

He led the way Welcome Selini A dominant success in the Chester Vase last month and could register his fifth victory over the son of Frankel whose only question mark could be the rain-softened ground.

I expect a good run from Ralph Beckett as well Bay of Brilliancewho pushed Maltese cross Form proved all the way to the line and on soft ground in the Lingfield Derby Trial.

Convergence to show his Group One potential

The rain that fell at Surrey Downs is certainly a big worry for the favorites in Group One Coolmore Coronation Cup (2.40) Epsom – French Star Kalandagan – whose participation may still be in doubt.

The world’s best horse was beaten on easy ground in this race last year when re-opposed Jan Bruegel Got the better of him in a memorable brawl. Aidan O’Brien’s star must go well after his reappearance at Chester.

However, when circumstances conspired against Calandgan it was Carl Burke who could capitalize convergingWho was impressive in John Porter at Newbury and looks to be a Group One winner in my view.

Courageous open group sets the standard at three

Never so brave Group 3 will be hard to beat Betfred Tattenham Corner Stakes Saturday (1.30) if he can reproduce his top-class form at York last August.

The City of York Stakes winner should be sharper on his return to the Bet365 Mile at Sandown in late April and set the standard with an open renewal that also features attractive Irish riders. AlcantaraWho is in winning form at this level on the soft ground in France.

Formerly trained by Andre Fabre, he looks an exciting acquisition for the Joseph O’Brien stable, who won the Oaks with a brilliant Thundering On on Friday, and could take a big step up from his reappearance in listed company at Leopardstown.

Also keep an eye on Johnny Murtagh Chicago Critic Who only showed what a talent he is when denied a Group Two at Maidan in the winter. He doesn’t mind any digging in the ground and can overcome potentially big odds.

Epsom is ideal for Mission Pacific

Group three Princess Elizabeth Stakes (2.05) Open but Andrew Balding’s Judemont looks a good chance for the filly Pacific Mission To win the pattern company for the first time.

This beautiful daughter of Lope de Vega took the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies turf by storm last autumn after going easy ground in the Group Two Park Hill at Doncaster in September.

He blew the net in York’s enlisted grades last month and got my vote she is perfect – Relegated Philly after finishing first in French Guinea last season. His third form at Goodwood hasn’t looked as strong, so he has more to do here.

Adding depth to this run is Charlie Johnston Arisig Who was right behind She’s Perfect last time, and I want to look awesome Sparks fly Turn it on again for his regular partner Laura Pearson.

Lexington can blitz opponents in the dash

A high draw is essential Betfred ‘Dash’ Handicap (3.15) at Epsom which can go faster The Lexington Blitz – Second in last year’s three-year-old edition.

Robert Cowell’s gelding took the Class Tour handicap down the hill at Goodwood and could give his owners a memorable day at Middleham Park Racing.

Tom (Marquand) is perfectly drawn in William Haggus’ Chevley Park Philly relatives Who is a strong traveler with form on good to soft ground. He showed a tough attitude in the defeat to Yarmouth on his return to action so everything points to a big performance.

Holly Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing Simon Mapletoft.