Charlie Hills’ William Hill blog: Hoping Sonny Liston can land a blow in Derby

We enjoyed another good week with Pogo, Sydneyarms Chelsea and Dream Show all winning, albeit Dream Show dead-heated at Newbury.

Pogo is a real yard favourite and it was brilliant for him to win the first Group race of his career. He was so game and brave in front and just doesn’t know when he’s beaten. It was a great day for the yard and we’re all just really proud of the horse.

Sydneyarms Chelsea was pretty green at Newbury but that was to be expected given it was her first outing at a racecourse. She really got the hang of things late and she’ll have learnt plenty. She’s clearly got plenty of ability and we’re looking forward to seeing how she gets on next time.

Epsom Saturday

We’re looking forward to running Mutasaabeq in the Diomed Stakes (3.10pm). He was a nice winner at Thirsk on his first start of the season and then didn’t do much wrong in that Group 2 at Sandown last time. He didn’t get the clearest run through there, but he proved he stays the mile. He’s in good form and we’re hopeful he’ll go close.

Equality goes in the ‘Dash’ handicap (3.45pm). He was a really good winner at Windsor on his seasonal reappearance but broke badly at Doncaster a few days later which cost him all chance unfortunately. He’s been in solid form since, though, and this big field should hopefully suit. It’s one of the most competitive handicaps of the season, but he’s not without a chance if he can put it all together.

It’s going to be very special to have our first runner in the Derby (4.30pm) in the shape of Sonny Liston.

He’s clearly got to improve on what he’s done so far, but I really think he’s got a lot more to give and I’d like to think he’s got a strong each-way chance.

He’s out of a Galileo mare, so should stay the trip and the fact he’s not that big might end up being an advantage around Epsom. He’s a very well-balanced colt, has a great turn of foot and we’re hopeful the track will suit. He’s a beautiful mover and he’ll have learnt plenty going around Chester, so there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful.

What a year to be involved with the Platinum Jubilee and it’s an event myself and the whole yard are really excited about.

We’ve booked Tom [Marquand] to ride and he came in to have a sit on him in the week and they seemed to get on well. We all know the form Tom is in at the moment and it’s fantastic we’ve got him to ride the horse.

The Derby is a race my family has come very close to winning in the past and it would certainly be the biggest day of my career so far if he were to win it. It would be incredibly special, that’s for sure.