Oisin Murphy Full Of Excitement Over Telecaster

Oisin Murphy Full Of Excitement Over Telecaster

Oisin Murphy has said he is buzzing to jump back aboard Dante winner Telecaster at Epsom, after connections opted to hand back their York prize money to supplement him for the Investec Derby this weekend.

Hughie Morrison's three-year-old led virtually from pillar to post on the Knavesmire a fortnight ago, fending off the challenge of the late-arriving champion two-year-old Too Darn Hot, who failed to get past the winner.

Oisin Murphy has been aboard on both of the colt's victories this term, and his hoping for further Group One glory to add to his nine top-band victories last term.

Twelve months ago, the 23-year-old appeared to be going best aboard Roaring Lion after rounding Tattenham Corner in the Epsom Classic, but did not see out the trip to fade back into a fair third.

(Credit: Racing Post) He said: "I was last off the bridle on Roaring Lion last year and it would be nice to still be travelling on Telecaster at the three-furlong pole and then see what happens.

"He's a beautiful colt physically and he has a high cruising speed. He was an impressive winner of the Dante Stakes and he's a quality horse."

Telecaster is bred to stay the distance on Saturday afternoon, being a son of Derby winner New Approach and out of an Oaks runner-up (Shirocco Star).

On Monday, he prepared for his date with destiny courtesy of racecourse gallop, delighting Murphy and trainer Morrison.

The Irish-born rider continued: "He felt really well and he looks great. He's eating and drinking by all accounts, so everything is going to plan.

"I was delighted that Hughie [Morrison, trainer] and the owners made the decision to supplement as races don't get much bigger than the Derby.

"He's the right type of horse for the race – by a Derby winner out of an Oaks second – so it's exciting."

The three-year-old is prominent in the betting for the one-mile-four-furlong feature this coming week, in a race dominated by Irish Trainer Aidan O'Brien.

The master of Ballydoyle is expected to run as many as eight runners; three of which currently fighting out favouritism.

Sir Dragonet, who was also supplemented alongside Telecaster, currently heads the field with fellow trial winners Broome and Anthony Van Dyck close-by.

Attempting to throw his name into the mix, Murphy is not concerned one bit about breaking up the incoming battalion.

He said: "I'm not worried about the numbers against me. I know all the lads well and, remember, I spent two summers at Ballydoyle.

"It's my fifth Derby too and I've ridden in Arcs and Guineas where I've been outnumbered like that before. I'll be fine", he finished.