David Probert Out To Whip Up A Derby Day Storm

Welshman David Probert will look to pull off one of the greatest shocks in one of the greatest races as he partners Al Wasl Storm in the Derby at Epsom on Saturday.

Geoff Lewis was the last Welshman to win the Derby in 1971 and Dragonbet make Probert's ride a 100-1 shot to end that long wait.

But he does have a number of advantages, including being one of few in the race with proven experience over the mile and a half distance. 

That came when he won a maiden at Chester's prestigious May meeting a month ago with Probert aboard.

It is not just his odds which make him one of the major underdogs in Saturday's £1.5 million contest, though.

He is also one of the cheapest horses in the field, costing connections just €7,000. 

By comparison, Ruling Court, the second favourite for Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, cost €2.3m.

Bargoed-born Probert is yet to win one of the five Classic races in Britain, but he did go close to producing a major shock in the Derby a few years ago for the same owner, Green Team Racing, when beaten two and a half lengths by Desert Crown in second, aboard Hoo Ya Mal.

He has already had experience in a Derby this week, having travelled to Italy on Monday to ride the Derby Italiano in Rome, but his mount was well beaten.

Welsh-bred filly looks to upset giants

It is not just Welsh jockeys lining up on the iconic Epsom Downs but a Welsh-bred horse in Saqqara Sands for Chepstow-based John Deer.

Deer's blue and white silks are synonymous with his brilliant four-time Group 1 winner Al Kazeem, but his runner in the Listed Surrey Stakes looks an exciting prospect for the future.

READ MORE: Dazzling David Probert Tees Up Big June With Haydock Treble

The three-year-old, who was bred by Deer and is trained not too far over the border by Arc-winning trainer Ralph Beckett, won in good style on just her second start at Newmarket before shaping with huge promise when second in a high quality race at Newbury in October. 

She has not raced yet this season but is just 11-2 against leading fancies from racing powerhouses Godolphin, Wathnan and Cheveley Park.

In great form

It was another brilliant week for Danny Muscutt with four winners at three tracks.

He kicked off a good spell with a double at Leicester aboard the well-fancied pair Toy Soldier and Pina Sonata before heading to Kempton where Fort Campbell won a maiden in impressive fashion.

Haydock was the big meeting last weekend and he did not walk away empty-handed after guiding Love Beach to victory.

Trainer David Evans was also continuing a good spell with Davey Moon leading home a 1-2 for the Monmouthshire trainer at Chepstow before Guernsey Lady scored the following day at Lingfield.