Ruler of the World and Libertarian, the one-two finishers in the Epsom Derby on Saturday, could meet again later this month in the Group 1 Irish Derby at The Curragh, while Intello, winner of the French Derby at Chantilly on Sunday, might not be seen again until August, with the Prix Jacques le Marois a possible resurfacing point for France's leader of the 3-year-old divison.
Trainer Andre Fabre’s first win in the Prix du Jockey Club came in 1997 with Peintre Celebre, and his most recent came Sunday, when Intello stormed home from just off the leaders to impressively capture France’s version of the Kentucky Derby.
Lord Kanaloa, who has dominated sprints in Japan and Hong Kong since last fall, stretched his speed to a mile with a win in Sunday’s $2.06 million Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse.
Aidan O’Brien won his fourth Epsom Derby, and the Coolmore group their third straight, as lightly raced Ruler of the World rallied from the rear of a 12-horse field under Ryan Moore to capture the Derby by 1 1/2 lengths.
Intello finished third but looked like the best horse on May 12 at Longchamp in the Group 1 Poules d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), and he will have a chance to prove he is France’s top 3-year-old Sunday at Chantilly in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club, the French Derby.
Former champion jockey Frankie Dettori returned to riding at Epsom on Friday after a six-month suspension for a drug positive.
Champion British jockey Richard Hughes won the second classic race of the year, and second of the month, aboard 20-1 shot Talent in Friday’s $600,000 English Oaks at Epsom Downs.
The only question concerning unbeaten Dawn Approach's chances of winning Saturday's Epsom Derby is his ability to get the 1 1/2-mile distance.
Lord Kanaloa, the top sprinter in Japan and Hong Kong in the last year, will attempt to carry his speed to a mile in Sunday’s $2.06 million Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse.
Animal Kingdom, the winner of the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30, worked a half-mile on soft turf at Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday, preparing for the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes there June 18.
