Derby Longshot or Sleeper Hit? Bin Suroor Eyes Epsom Derby 2025 Glory with Tornado Alert
Saturday 7th June, 3:30pm – Epsom Downs
It’s been thirty years since Saeed bin Suroor last landed the Derby – a lifetime ago for many punters – but the seasoned Godolphin handler is back on the trail of Classic gold, and this time it’s with an unassuming colt by the name of Tornado Alert. Not exactly front-page news just yet, but quietly making ripples after a solid showing in the 2,000 Guineas.
Currently priced up at 40/1 with race sponsors Betfred – trimmed from an earlier 50/1 – Tornado Alert isn’t among the leading lights in the market. But with whispers of champion jockey Oisin Murphy potentially being booked for the ride, and confidence quietly brewing at Godolphin HQ, this so-called outsider might just cause a stir on the Downs.
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Fourth in the Guineas – But Fit for More?
Tornado Alert’s most recent outing came in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, where he finished a respectable fourth behind stablemate Ruling Court. Not bad for a colt without a prep run and, as it turns out, not quite at full tilt either. By his trainer’s own assessment, the son of Too Darn Hot was operating at roughly 80 or 85 per cent on the day – more work in progress than polished product.
The Rowley Mile effort, though not earth-shattering, hinted at something bubbling beneath the surface. Beaten four and a half lengths, he showed enough class and determination to mark himself as a possible improver – and in Derby terms, that’s often more valuable than a flashy trial win.
A Winter in Dubai and a Spring in His Step
Tornado Alert spent the off-season in sunnier climes, with Bin Suroor putting the colt through his paces at Al Quoz in Dubai. The warmer weather and steady training seemingly did the trick, with the colt developing physically and impressing enough in his early gallops to earn a spot in the Guineas.
More recently, he’s been sharpening up at Godolphin’s Chippenham Hill base, and all reports suggest he’s come out of Newmarket well. His recent grass work was described as “nice” – understated, perhaps, but there’s a note of optimism laced in with that trainer-speak. Bin Suroor appears quietly confident that there’s more to come, and that the horse is moving the right way at just the right time.
Can He Stay the Trip?
While the Guineas effort showed class over a mile, the Derby is an altogether more gruelling affair. Stretching to a mile and a half, Epsom’s famous undulations and testing finish sort the contenders from the pretenders.
Bin Suroor, however, remains hopeful that Tornado Alert will stay the trip – and possibly even thrive over it. The key, he believes, is relaxation. If the colt can switch off in the early stages, conserve energy and find a rhythm, then he may well have enough in the tank to last home. Certainly, he gives the impression in his work that he’ll get at least ten furlongs, and if he takes to Epsom on the day, a mile and a half might just be within his grasp.
Murphy the Missing Piece?
There’s also the small matter of who’ll be steering the ship come race day. Talks are reportedly underway to book Oisin Murphy – the reigning champion jockey – and his addition would add a layer of polish to an already intriguing profile. Murphy’s big-race acumen and ability to get horses into a rhythm could be the exact formula needed for a smooth ride round Tattenham Corner.
Should the booking be confirmed, expect that 40/1 price to come under pressure, particularly from the more eagle-eyed punters sniffing out value plays.
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Quiet Hope for a Classic Upset
So, could Tornado Alert spring a surprise at Epsom? On paper, he’s a longshot. But with improvement expected from his Guineas run, a potential stamina boost in the pipeline, and a top jockey possibly in the saddle, the ingredients are there for a twist in the Derby tale.
He’s no Lammtarra – not yet, anyway – but stranger things have happened on the Downs. And if you’ve got a free bet burning a hole in your account, you could do worse than backing the dark horse with a gust of Godolphin support behind him.
