If Secret Satire's endurance holds at Epsom, Oisin Murphy thinks she has enough quality to be competitive at the end of Friday's Betfred Oaks.
The filly trained by Andrew Balding became victorious in the Musidora Stakes at York, which is frequently considered a crucial trial for the Oaks.
Despite being by the sprinter Advertise, Murphy believes she deserves a spot in the field since her brothers have stayed more than the mile and a half required by Oaks.
“In the Oaks, I ride Secret Satire, who deserves her place after she won a trial, the Musidora at York,” he said. “Her stamina is going to be exposed on the day – if she can stay a mile and a half, which she gives herself every chance of getting as she is easy to ride, she has a lot of quality as well. I think the way she finished at York, she has a chance of staying and that’s all you can ask for – often when you are sure they are going to stay, they probably lack the gears for a race like this.”
Two days later, Murphy pairs up with Balding again, this time against Bellum Justum in the Betfred Derby.
He had won his trial on the Derby course, and Aidan O'Brien's Chief Little Rock, who had finished third at Epsom, gave his form a significant boost over the weekend when it won the Gallinule Stakes.
“Bellum Justum won the trial at Epsom over a mile and a quarter. He’s a beautiful horse with a lot of quality,” said Murphy.
“We don’t know how good he is, but we’ll find out on Derby day. Andrew has had horses placed in the Derby and won an Oaks with Casual Look, so it would be a dream if we can take gold on Derby day.”