Derby contenders: Casual Conquest | Curtain Call | Doctor Fremantle | Frozen Fire | Henrythenavigator | Kandahar Run | King Of Rome | New Approach | Tajaaweed | Tartan Bearer

TARTAN BEARER (IRE) 3-y-o (29 Mar 2005) ch c

Spectrum (IRE) - Highland Gift (IRE) (Generous (IRE))

Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Ballymacoll Stud Bred: Ballymacoll Stud Farm Ltd

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Tartan Bearer is a son of Spectrum and a full-brother to 2001 Derby runner-up and 2,000 Guineas victor Golan. Golan landed the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes the following season. However, Spectrum has sired the winners of just six Group One races worldwide. His dam ran three times winning once at Newbury in a ten-furlong maiden run on good to soft ground. Highland Gift’s sire was Derby winner Generous and stamina will not be an issue on Derby Day.

Tartan Bearer has followed a similar path to the Ballymacoll Stud’s Derby winner North Light. Both were runner-up in a maiden, before taking a similar event and the Dante Stakes, prior to Epsom. Having landed his maiden at Leicester on good to soft ground in comfortable fashion, Tartan Bearer was dispatched to York for the Dante Stakes.

Racing with plenty of zest at the rear of the field, he made headway three-furlongs from home. Ridden to challenge for the lead a furlong from home, he took the lead at the distance and held off the determined challenge of Frozen Fire in gritty fashion. Tartan Bearer will be suited by the step up to a mile and a half. Whilst he failed to show an instant turn of foot, he is improving, travels well, and has a tremendous attitude to the job in hand. One could argue Twice Over, who was found to have a blood disorder post-race, and Frozen Fire, who looked green in the final furlong, somewhat devalues the form. Nevertheless, he has a wonderful temperament and reports indicate he continues to improve in his work at home.

In conclusion, Tartan Bearer looks a solid candidate for one of the first three places.