James J Braddock carries Australian hopes into Epsom Derby

Australian racing identity Ozzie Kheir will chase a slice of history at Epsom on Saturday night when James J Braddock lines up in the English Derby for trainer Joseph O’Brien.

A win would make Kheir and his partners the first Australian-based ownership group to capture the 246-year-old English classic, with Victor Kheir, Barry O’Brien, Kate Soloman, Peter Cook, Neil Werrett and Brett Carty all among the syndicate members.

The group joined the ownership late last year after Kheir negotiated a deal with original owner Kevin Blake to acquire a substantial interest in the son of Zarak.

James J Braddock earned his Derby chance with a strong performance in the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes over 2000 metres at Leopardstown, a race that has long been regarded as an important stepping stone toward Epsom.

Named after heavyweight boxing champion James J Braddock, whose life inspired the film Cinderella Man, the colt now faces the daunting task of taking on Aidan O’Brien’s powerhouse Ballydoyle operation.

O’Brien has won the Derby 11 times, including the past three editions with Auguste Rodin, City Of Troy and Lambourn, and is expected to saddle favourite Benvenuto Cellini, while James J Braddock has been trading around $12 with UK bookmakers.