Racing: Gypsy King's antics in Dee Stakes baffle bookmakers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gypsy King did everything wrong in the Dee Stakes here yesterday and still won. It was a triumph for ability over callowness. Epsom now beckons.
Gypsy King did everything wrong in the Dee Stakes here yesterday and still won. It was a triumph for ability over callowness. Epsom now beckons.
The merit of Gypsy King's triumph is not simple to fathom. Some bookmaking firms cut him to favourite for the Derby, others left him alone, while one actually lengthened his odds for the Blue Riband.
The telling statistic of the contest was that Gypsy King was trading at 50-1 in running, such was the immaturity he displayed. Only off the final turn did victory become a distinct possibility and then only a typical Fallon punch in the closing stages secured a short-head win from 33-1 outsider Im Spartacus.
Yet it was impossible to deny that Gypsy King must benefit greatly from this tutorial. The big exam is coming up fast. "I couldn't believe it," O'Brien said. "I knew he was going to be green with the work he missed. I'm surprised he won to tell you the truth. He had a lot of things to overcome, a lot to learn, but he was very brave."
There are other Derby trials to come, other Ballydoyle colts to consider for the Blue Riband, but it appears Fallon's mind is already made up.
"I was impressed with him," the jockey said. "He felt really good today. He has showed me nothing at all at home. It was like riding a different horse. He's an Epsom horse."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments