Epsom Derby Tips: Mogul profile

Steve Chambers profiles Mogul, who is a notable Epsom Derby contender for Aidan O'Brien and will be one of the star attractions taking their chance in the classic showpiece at Epsom Downs on July 4.

• Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
• Age: 3
• Owner: Mr M Tabor, D Smith & Mrs J Magnier
• Races: 5
• Wins: 2
• Notable Race Wins: KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (2019)
• Stall: 2
• Jockey: Ryan Moore

Career Record

Sent off a short-priced favourite for his racecourse debut at Gowran Park, Mogul was unable to kick off his career with a win as he finished second to Jim Biolger's Geometrical in a maiden event last August. However, the Galileo colt made no mistake on his second start later that month as he cruised to a three-length success at the Curragh, where he shaped like a smart juvenile.

It was his third outing as a two-year-old that suggested Mogul could be the next star off the Ballydoyle production line, as he was a comfortable winner of a Group 2 contest at Leopardstown in September, and a length success in that KMPG Champions Juvenile Stakes immediately propelled his name into the Epsom Derby picture. O'Brien has a fine record in that juvenile contest and saddled Australia to victory in the 2013 renewal before that class act went on to land the 2014 Derby in fine style, so Mogul's victory certainly pushed his name into the classic picture.

Sent to the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy on his final two-year-old start, Mogul was unable to deliver the goods on Newcastle's all-weather surface - with the race having been switched following its abandonment at Doncaster - and O'Brien's charge could only finish fourth. Impressive winner that day was subsequent 2000 Guineas hero Kameko, who will lock horns again with Mogul on July 4 in the Epsom Derby, but O'Brien will be hoping that a longer trip could play into Mogul's hands and he can reverse the form.

Heading into his three-year-old campaign, Mogul was the flag-bearer for the O'Brien team in the King Edward VII Stakes, but despite being sent off the 10/11 favourite for the Royal Ascot event, the Irish charge couldn't land a blow at all, and he was well beaten by Pyledriver, who is another touted a major Derby player. Lacking any spark whatsoever, Mogul will need to improve immeasurably if he is to be a player in the Derby picture, but O'Brien's magic can certainly see him fly back to form.

Positives

Improves On First Outing: Mogul was well-backed to be victorious in the King Edward VII, but he failed to fire, however, you shouldn't get too disheartened. Like most of Aidan O'Brien's performers they can often improve from their first outing, and with stamina assured for the Derby test then he has to be given the utmost respect in a wide open field.

Ground: A winner on good to firm and good to yielding, Mogul has performed to a high level on different surfaces, so however Epsom's ground comes up then he should have no worries showing his best, and with Derby specialist O'Brien sure to have him in top form for the Derby then he has to be a leading player.

Negatives

Kameko: Comfortably beaten by Kameko in the Vertem Futurity Trophy at the end of last season, Mogul has form to turn around with Andrew Balding's class act, who has since gone on to win the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, and while Balding's raider has to show he can deliver at the Derby distance, Kameko is currently ahead of his old adversary on form.

Career Best Needed: Taking on Group 1 performers in the Derby, Mogul will need to produce a career best if he is to play a starring role, and while he's bred to be a top-class winner, he currently lacks the form that shows he is capable of winning UK Flat racing's biggest prize.

How will Mogul fare in the 2020 Epsom Derby?

One of a handful of runners likely to run in the Epsom Derby, Mogul appears to not be Aidan O'Brien's first string, and while he could be a potential each-way player for some punters, he failed to show his best at Royal Ascot, and a repeat of that would see him struggle.

Verdict: Tough assignment