Anticipates Desert Flower to Deliver Notable Performance, According to Kieren Fallon
Unfiltered Insights and Predictions from Kieren Fallon: Desert Flower's Oaks Victory a Done Deal?
Kieren Fallon, the legendary Irish jockey, has thrown his weight behind Desert Flower's Epsom Oaks ambitions, going as far as to call it "a foregone conclusion." The untested daughter of Night of Thunder has left Fallon absolutely spellbound, and he believes she'd even hold her own against colts in the Derby.
With seven Classics wins to his name on the famous Downs, Fallon is no stranger to Epsom triumphs. Now a key member of Charlie Appleby's team at Moulton Paddocks, he thinks Desert Flower boasts all the qualities required to conquer the Oaks.
"I've never come across a filly as impressive as this one," said Fallon. "She's got the perfect temperament, settles well, can switch off and handles any ground. The Oaks is a lock for her, in my opinion."
Few have ridden Epsom as gracefully as Fallon, with a name-studded CV including Oath (Derby 1995) and Kris Kin (Derby 2003). It's an achievement Appleby and jockey William Buick could attain if Desert Flower triumphs in the Oaks, and Ruling Court, the 2000 Guineas winner, delivers in the Derby this weekend.
However, Fallon cautions that the Derby is a tightly contested race. Despite having a strong affinity for the Ballydoyle team, he's not convinced that Delacroix, another Aidan O'Brien prospect, might not pose a stiff challenge.
"I think Delacroix could be the wildcard in the Derby," Fallon mused. "Ruling Court has the speed, but stamina is a question mark. Delacroix, on the other hand, is a horse I believe can stay the distance."
While Fallon remains bullish on Desert Flower, he acknowledges the prestige and formidable record of the Ballydoyle team in the Derby and eagerly anticipates the exciting showdown.
Desert Flower, with her impressive qualities, might not only win the Oaks but also hold her own against colts in the Derby, according to Kieren Fallon. In the race for the Derby, however, Fallon sees Delacroix as a potential wildcard that could pose a stiff challenge due to its potential stamina.
