Today's Epsom Derby

Today's Epsom Derby is rendered more complicated than it might have been in that rain is clearly headed for the course. If it arrives in sufficient quantities those runners whose stamina is in question might just as well stay at home. Certainly the 5/1 highlighted here a few weeks ago about Ruling Court will look short.

My chum, Rob Wright of The Times, plumps for the Aga Khan's Midak, currently 14/1. And given that he will stay beyond doubt and act well on soft or good ground he looks a solid trade. 

Midak's owner, His Highness Aga Khan IV died about four months ago but is commemorated in that this year's Derby has been named in his honour.

*****

Separately, I cannot remember so much advance publicity for an upcoming knighthood as that displayed in front of David Beckham's. It presumably happens since he has a vast army of public relations agents. I slightly wonder whether it would save us all the nail-biting tension that will arise should there be a delay in his upgrading to a peerage. Or even an earldom. The cry would be Go Earl or goal and will be tres apropos.