The 1996 Derby picture has changed on an almost daily basis over the past month and, with no single dominating performance to emerge from the trials, Epsom's showpiece is being billed as the most open renewal for years. Certainly, nothing has yet produced form that can be categorically described as up to normal Derby winning standard and with that comes the fear that this may turn out to be a substandard crop. Yes, Even Top represents Classic form having gone down to Mark Of Esteem by the shortest of short heads in the 2,000 Guineas, but the value of that form is overshadowed by the ugly spectre of a powerful track bias caused by the over-watering policy of the Newmarket executive. However, if there is one horse with the credentials to come through and prove a true champion it is the Michael Stoute-trained Dr Massini. Unraced as a juvenile, he is unbeaten in two starts this season and could not have been more impressive in landing the Glasgow Stakes at York last time; a race that has featured Commander In Chief and Tamure in recent years. Although only six runners lined up for that 2,000-metre contest, the highly touted runner-up King Alex set a strong pace from the off and Dr Massini displayed a quality turn of foot to record a smart 120 Topspeed rating. That figure and the fact the third home Astor Place ran a big race in the French Derby on Sunday more than confirms the merit of the win. Bred to be suited by 2,400 metres, the sectionals also suggest he is going to improve again for the step up to the Derby trip and this son of Sadler's Wells undoubtedly possesses the scope to prove a worthy champion. There are other unexposed sorts that are being touted as potential saviours of the three-year-old generation, but none have shown anywhere near the same level of ability as Dr Massini. The most prominent of those pretenders is the Willie Haggas-trained Shaamit, but his place in the top half of the betting in most British bookmakers' list is down to simple hype of his training work. Last year's champion juvenile Alhaarth has had his colours lowered twice this season and despite coming out best of the unfavoured centre group in the 2,000 Guineas, it looks as though the rest of the generation have now caught him up. Glory Of Dancer (119) clocked a fast time when finishing second under a Group One penalty in the 2,000-metre Thresher Classic Trial at Sandown and went on to display a quality turn of foot off a slow pace in the Group Two Dante Stakes at York. There is no doubting that his overall form is as good as anything in the race, but he is another that appears to lack the scope to progress again. This may be as good as he is and it should not be quite good enough to win a Derby. Those looking for a value option should keep a careful eye on the tote for Busy Flight. Although still a maiden, he displayed plenty of ability as a two-year-old and clocked a useful speed figure (110) in a conditions race at Newbury. Looking fat and in need of his initial run when well beaten in the Thresher Trial at Sandown, he is a potential big improver with his trainer Barry Hills hitting top form just at the right time (he could not send out a runner to get placed at the time of Busy Flight's seasonal reappearance). It is asking a lot for a maiden to win the Derby, but he has definitely shown enough to run a place. So judged on the big prices on offer in Britain and given he is not coupled with one of the favourites, he looks a potential big payer for quinella and tierce punters.
