In-Form Oisin Murphy Provides Exclusive Insight for Oaks and Derby Mounts

Three-time Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy is ready to extend his record in the British Classics this weekend, as he aims to achieve his first victories in both the Oaks and the Derby.

Murphy, riding high on a 20% strike rate, has been in excellent form recently, securing notable victories in races such as the Grade 3 Musidora Stakes, the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup, and the Group 3 Aston Park Stakes within the past month.

With Andrew Balding entering runners in both the Oaks and Derby, Murphy is guaranteed notable rides in the prestigious races, making up for the disappointment of missing a booking in the 2000 Guineas earlier this month.

First up is the Oaks on Friday afternoon, where Murphy will be riding Secret Satire for Kingsclere. The filly, priced at 11/1, is Murphy’s best chance among the two Classics contenders in the betting.

Murphy is confident in her potential following her impressive win at York.

“Secret Satire won an Oaks Trial at York, the Musidora, so she deserves her place in the race,” Murphy said. “She’s unexposed at the distance, but we’re looking forward to seeing how she will fare in the race.”

The Derby, traditionally an unpredictable race, could see another wide-open contest this year. Murphy's mount, Bellum Justum, has seen a flurry of betting activity, with odds shortening to 16/1 from 25/1.

The three-year-old has shown promise, winning back-to-back races including the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom in April, a performance that impressed Murphy.

“Bellum Justum won that trial at Epsom very well. He was faultless on the track. He handled it perfectly,” Murphy said. “Obviously, he’s stepping up in distance, but he has a bit of class and we hope he can run very well.”