Big hopes for Brittain's hero

Last season was a big one for top jockey Philip Robinson and it left him wondering: "How do I follow that?" The answer seems to have arrived in the shape of a very big horse. Herodotus, trained by Clive Brittain, is 17 hands high - half an inch bigger than one of his handler's other multi-winning giants, Luso - and only just about fits into the stalls.

Yet he has emerged as a live Epsom Derby hope after just one race. Just over a week ago in the Listed Easter Stakes at Kempton - a stiff test for a debutant - Herodotus shrugged aside the opposition to beat much-touted Derby hope Gryffindor by a neck.

In the space of 50 days last term, Robinson rode three overseas classic winners and also took a Group One race at Royal Ascot on the dazzling duo of Holding Court and Crimplene. Only Johnny Murtagh eclipsed the Newmarket-based rider in big-race successes.

Herodotus was the father of history in ancient folklore and the colt has history on his side. His dad, Zafonic, won the 2000 Guineas and mother Thalestria, is a daughter of the mighty Mill Reef. His owner, Tony Richards, says: "This horse has Derby winners all through his pedigree."

Robinson is also optimistic and said: "We will be going for the Lingfield Derby trial next because the course mirrors Epsom and we want to find out if such a big horse will act there. He's big but quite well balanced. When you get them that size they are normally not that good and rarely show the ability and the speed he has."

Herodotus is generally available at 50-1 for our major classic, but he will be shaved a bit if he gallops over the rest at Lingfield, and it may pay to take a price before that for a horse whose pedigree is packed with class, muscle and punching power.