Both Swords Rex and Romeo Command are unbeaten in the Derby heats so far this year. Tonight, they meet in the second of the semis. Swords Rex looks to have the upper hand.
With some of the ante-post fancies going out early, Fromposttopillar is but one example, these two have been relentless throughout the rounds.
Graham Holland’s Sword’s Rex looks like the complete package. He traps quickly and has plenty of early, backed up with pace on the bunny. On the run-in, he stays on. It’s difficult to see how he can be beaten.
Romeo Command’s best performance came in the third round. If he can get up on the inside of Swords Rex and put him under pressure, there is enough evidence to suggest that Romeo Command could challenge.
The first semi-final should see Gaytime Nemo through to the final. Out of Box 1, his flash of early should see him in the places. Clona Duke is yet to recapture the form that saw him claim the track record and he could be vulnerable tonight.
Burn Khalifa has already beaten Cochise in Round 3, staying out of trouble and booking his place in the later rounds. He could do the same here.
Latest Odds: 7/4 Swords Rex, 7/2 Romeo Command, 8/1 Clona Duke, 8/1 Gaytime Nemo, 12/1 Burj Khalifa, 16/1 Bar