England: Crepello Accorded Excellent Chance of Winning Coveted Triple Crown, Daily Racing Form, 1957-06-01

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TZZ : Crepello Accorded Excellent Chance Of Winning Coveted Triple Crown By CLTVE GRAHAM Our London Correspondent LONDON, England. Only three horses during the present century have won the Triple Crown the Two Thousand Guineas over the Rowley Mile, the Derby over Epsoms one and one-half miles and the St. Leger decided at Doncaster in September over an extended one mile and three-quarters. Diamond Jubilee 1900 and Rock Sand 1903 won in the early years of the century, a feat not repeated until Bahram came on the scene in 1935. Pomerone, Gay Crusader and Gainsborough landed the Crown in World War I, but all three classics were then decided at Newmarket . And now, after an interval of 22 years, it seems highly probable that Crepello will surely add the Derby to his first classic laurels, as a prelude to a seemingly inevitable triumph at Doncaster. To be super-critical, Sir Victor Sassoons Donatello II. colt has not the conformation which is considered ideal for the tiicky Epsom track. There is too much daylight under him, which suggests that Lester Pig-gott may find difficulty in controlling his long-legged gait on the steep incline leading down to Tattenham Corner. And the perfectionists eye somewhat doubtfully the off-true set of his near-fore ankle. However, on form, he is to date the outstanding three-year-old colt in Europe. AAA It is generally conceded that he won the Two Thousand Guineas under difficulties which could easily have proved insuperable. He had not had a preparatory race, the ground was. as firm as a highway, the distance was obviously short for one of his looks and ipedigree, and finally, he had the misfortune to be drawn on the extreme outside a considerable handicap at Newmarket, where the horses with low numbered post-positions are thought to enjoy an advantage of anything up to three lengths. Piggott deliberately chose to break him away slowly, and took him over to the stands side, losing ground in the process. When he made his run, the swerving Tyrone bore across him, but he found the acceleration to go round and past him, got the better of a brief duel with Pipe of Peace and then held the late threat from Quorum. All of this adds up to the impression that Crepello must be one of the best horses we have seen in England over the past 10 years. The unfortunate accident last Sunday to Mourne robs him of a formidable rival, and it must be doubtful whether any of the remaining French contenders have the necessary class. Jack Cunnington remarked to the writer in Paris last week end that Royaumont should finish in the first three "but probably wont beat Crepello if he! is a real champion." Royaumont was bought as a yearling in France by the late George Ohrstrom, and is now owned in partnership by four mmebers of his family. This Prince Bio colt nearly died last year as a result of an enteritis infection but is unbeaten in two races this season, and has done all expected of him in his preparation. A The French have a greater chance of victory in the Oaks, with Rose Royale H. and the Volterra-owned Great Success. Sarcelle reappears here, and it is thought that the reason for her moderate showing at Kempton in April was due to the formation of a splint. This brilliant filly, how-! ever, lias riot shown any capacity for distance, and our best chances rest with Queen Elizabeth II.s pair, Mulberry Harbour trained by Captain Boyd-Rochfort and Carrozza trained by Noel Murless . There will be .further Anglo-French rivalry in The Coronation Cup also run over the Derby course when Fric from France takes on Pirate King, High Veldt, Gilles de Retz and others of our four-year-olds. AAA Briefly . . . The victory of Doutelle in the Lingfield Derby Trial put Queen Elizabeth n. at the top of the Owners List. . . . Biggest upset of the season occurred in lastf weeks" Yorkshire Cup, when the 50-to-l shot, Souverlone, on a pacemaking mission for French Beige, kept in front all the way to beat the favored Hornbeam by a head. . . . My Babu has left plenty of winners behind him over here. . . . Maelstrom was another for him in the Branksome Handicap at Salisbuxy. . . . Surprise has been occasioned by the report, not denied, that Paddy Prendergast is seeking to transfer his horses from The Curragh to a racing stable in England. . . . The break between the Aga Khan and Charlie Smirke was con-fh-med last week. Smirke has now returned to live at Epsom.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1950s/drf1957060101/drf1957060101_11_5
Local Identifier: drf1957060101_11_5
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800