Fantastic Derby day on Sunday at Bratislava

Slovak Derby Day at Bratislava on Sunday July 18th offers the prospect of the best day of racing ever to be held in Central Europe.

In the Derby, 16-year-old Slovak girl Maria Magdalena Rossak will again ride Talgado, on which she sensationally won the Czech Derby. Talgado was an impressive winner at Prague Velka Chuchle, and must have a good chance of winning again at Bratislava. The best of the other horses may be Tutanhamon, unlucky not to win the Hungarian Derby, and Slovak-trained Bribon and Innovator.

Earlier in the afternoon, Hungarian wonderhorse Overdose is due to make his return to the course after a year out with hoof problems. In the past, Overdose has repeatedly left the best Central European sprinters far behind, and we all hope he will show that he is back to fitness by outpacing decent Czech-trained spinters, De Roberto, Another True Story and Heat Set.

Age of Jape won the Czech triple crown last year and also the Slovak Derby and St Leger. He has continued a long unbeaten run into this season. In the Gold Cup, his main challenger will probably be Slovak-trained Camill.

Hungary's other top horse, Steady as a Rock, will be favoured for the Bratislava Mile. Czech-trained Blue Coral has yet to show his old form this year, and Slovak-trained Ypsilon King may provide the main challenge.

There is also an Oaks trial and a Category I race for 2-y-os, plus 4 lesser races. There are 10 races on the card. The first race is at 1405, and the Derby will be run at 1820.