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| |  Tuesday, 4 June, 2002, 15:49 GMT 16:49 UK Spencer stays cool for Derby debut Spencer steers Moon Ballad home in the Dante
Vodafone Derby, 1550 BST, 8 June If it's coolness in the saddle you are looking for, then Jamie Spencer is your man. Although he only turns 22 on Derby day, Spencer is the 'Next Big Thing' in Flat racing. Already regarded as a future champion jockey, he could not be more in demand. In fact, Spencer is unique, riding regularly for both the Ballydoyle and Godolphin training superpowers. The Irish Ballydoyle stable won the race for Spencer's services in the 2,000 Guineas, securing him to replace the suspended Mick Kinane on hot favourite Hawk Wing.
Now it's Godolphin's turn to give him the leg-up in the Derby on their second string Moon Ballad. Spencer has never been to Epsom on Derby day, let alone ridden in the race. Should that worry you? It's hard to see why when the man in himself is so unfazed. "I never get nervous about these things," he said. "Somebody said to me the other night 'best of luck next week.' "I had to think for a couple of minutes to work out what has happening next week." Whatever way you look at it, that's coolness. While Spencer may not be familiar with the Derby, he is at least familiar with his mount, Moon Ballad. He has ridden the colt on his two starts this season, most recently when winning the Dante Stakes at York.
The Dante is one of the most informative Derby trials in the calendar. And Spencer believes that, despite his current odds of 20-1, Moon Ballad's chances should not be ignored. "To me, he's already proven himself in the Dante," he said. "He seemed to stay well that day (although the Derby is two furlongs longer). "He's a very well-balanced horse, which you need for Epsom, and he must have a good chance." Tactically, Moon Ballad could have a big bearing on the race as Spencer likes to set him off in front. "How I ride the race will depend on what the Godolphin people have to say," he said. "I imagine I'll be riding him the way I have been, keeping him handy. "Hopefully, he'll be going well enough for me to kick on near the finish, but none of the other jockeys will be letting me get too far away. It'll be interesting to see how the race pans out." For all his enthusiasm for Moon Ballad, you can't help but sense that Spencer would prefer to be on Hawk Wing. The Aidan O'Brien-trained horse is a warm favourite for Epsom following an unlucky second in the 2,000 Guineas in which he put in an eye-catching finish having been unfavourably drawn. Some criticised Spencer's tactics that day, although the jockey was riding to instructions to stick to the stands side. O'Brien's number one jockey Mick Kinane looks set to partner Hawk Wing in preference to his stablemate High Chapparal, a colt more likely to stay the 12-furlong trip. Spencer can see why. "Hawk Wing is a class horse," he said. "I really do think he'll stay because he relaxes so well. "To me, he was the moral winner of the Guineas, but that's all behind me now. There's no point looking back." Spencer has a point. Why look back when there is so much to look forward to? | |
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