The Irish seem to hold most of the aces in the race, but Aidan O’Brien’s squad will have to work hard to win their trainer a third successive Derby. O’Brien is likely to run four, all with chances, but his countrymen Dermot Weld and John Oxx have first-class candidates in Alamshar and Refuse To Bend.
Late-developing horses could run better than their form suggests and it would be no surprise if one of the Godolphin runners blossomed at Epsom, but Refuse To Bend has the right credentials. Alamshar and Kris Kin could make the places.
ALAMSHAR
Trained by John Oxx
Represents the Sinndar team that won in 2000
For: Plenty of stamina influences in his pedigree – granddam Aliysa was first past the post in the 1989 Oaks and Shahrastani won the Derby. Beaten on seasonal debut by Balestrini at Leopardstown in April, but defeated Brian Boru as a two-year-old and did so again in Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial in May this year. Latter race was stepping-stone to victory for the three most recent Derby winners.
Against: That Balestrini defeat; subsequent narrow beating of The Great Gatsby was not great; trainer expressed slight reservations about stamina.
ALBANOV
NON RUNNER
Trained by John Dunlop
Yet to liveup to breeding
For: Shrewd trainer; represents a pedigree cross (Sadler’s Wells on a Darshaan mare) which has produced numerous good winners.
Against: A maiden who looks short of the necessary gears.
ALBERTO GIACOMETTI
Trained by Aidan O’Brien
One of several who could give trainer record third successive win
For: A Gr 1 winner at St-Cloud (bt Summerland a head) as a two-year-old, and progressed on second start this year when third in Gr1 Prix Lupin; plenty of stamina in pedigree; by a top sire and trained by a young maestro.
Against: Might need ease in the ground to produce his best – both juvenile wins on soft, and disappointing on firm at Leopardstown in April.
BALESTRINI
Trained by Aidan O’Brien
Another from the Ballydoyle battalion
For: Beat Alamshar (gv 3lb) and Alberto Giacometti (gv 6lb) at Leopardstown in May; by an outstanding sire who died recently (usually the start of a run of major successes)
Against: Only fourth on second start this year in Gr 1 Prix Lupin, when Alberto Giacometti gained revenge by finishing one place ahead.
BRIAN BORU
Trained by Aidan O’Brien
Likely choice of O’Brien’s stable jockey, Mick Kinane
For: Followed in High Chaparral’s hooves when winning Racing Post Trophy as two-year-old and became winter favourite for Epsom. From a top stable, by a top stallion and plenty of stamina on dam’s side.
Against: Beaten on seasonal debut this year by Balestrini and Alamshar (although conceding 5lb) and needs to improve on that effort. Reports that stable’s three-year-olds are not in the same class as last year’s (admittedly vintage) crop.
DUNHILL STAR
Trained by Barry Hills
Twice beaten by Magistretti
For: Won first two outings and impressive on easy ground at Kempton on seasonal debut; stamina should not be a problem (dam fourth in Oaks).
Against: Beaten by Magistretti in the Fielden and Dante Stakes (although could reverse form over Derby trip); might be best with cut in the ground.
DUTCH GOLD
Trained by Clive Brittain
Remember Terimon?
For: Owner forked out £90,000 to supplement him for the race (even a Sheikh would think twice for a no-hoper); won Chester Vase (over Derby distance); trainer in form (and saddled 500-1 shot Terimon to finish second in 1989).
Against: On breeding is a doubtful stayer (although didn’t look like one at Chester); too many defeats to fit the profile of a Derby winner.
FRANKLINS GARDENS
Trained by Mark Tompkins
Named after Northampton rugby club’s ground
For: Showed aptitude for Epsom’s peaks and troughs when course winner in April, and then revealed requisite stamina when winning Lingfield Derby Trial, beating Let Me Try Again; very game.
Against: Two narrow wins this season suggest that he lacks a Classic winner’s X-factor.
GRAIKOS
Trained by Saeed Bin Suroor
One for the boys in blue
For: Touted as a likely Derby contender last year when trained in France before being bought by Godolphin; did not have a clear run when fifth in Dante Stakes.
Against: Tends to get beaten in top grade; said to need soft ground.
HANDEL
NON RUNNER
Trained by Aidan O’Brien
Another son of the ubiquitous Sadler’s Wells
For: Won over the Derby distance at Leopardstown last month following a satisfactory debut at same track in April; by a top sire and in a shrewd stable; seems to handle quick ground and sire’s stock usually go on soft.
Against: Inexperience.
KRIS KIN
trained by Sir Michael Stoute
Mount of the champion jockey
For: Kieren Fallon rides; Stoute attempting to follow up Sharahstani’s 1986 win; won Dee Stakes at Chester (as did 1999 winner Oath); handles quick ground; good each-way value; owner supplemented on Monday at a cost of £90,000
Against: Might be a late developer, but needs to improve.
LET ME TRY AGAIN
Trained by Terry Mills
Epsom-trained horse seeking to become first local winner since 1932
For: Close second in Derby Trial at Lingfield (behind Franklins Gardens); bred for the job; owner/trainer’s enthusiasm utterly infectious (might even rub off on the horse).
Against: Seems to lack that extra atom of class, which counts in the Derby.
LUNDY’S LANE
Trained by Clive Brittain
Stable second string to Dutch Gold
For: A couple of wins (but they weren’t great races), recent third in Italian Derby.
Against: Beaten in UAE Derby; lacks class for this; possible non-runner.
MAGISTRETTI
Trained by Neville Callaghan
Trainer bids to win first Derby
For: Two wins this season include victory in Dante Stakes (a useful guide to Derby and other big races), beating Dunhill Star each time and Songlark and Graikos on second occasion
Against: Experts, including his trainer, have questioned his stamina (but he finishes well).
NEW SOUTH WALES
NON RUNNER
Trained by Saeed Bin Suroor
Aussie name suggests he should be good at sport
For: Unbeaten in a pair of races at two, including at Gr 3 level (subsequently transferred from John Oxx to Godolphin).
Against: Only fifth to Lateen Sails in Dubai spring trial then sixth in Prix Lupin (behind Alberto Giacometti and Balestrini); needs to rediscover winning ways; said to need soft.
NORSE DANCER
Trained by David Elsworth
Desert Orchid’s trainer bids for the Derby
For: Showed commendable attitude (and touch of class) when battling to the line in 2000 Guineas; had plenty of experience; £90,000 supplementary entry fee suggests confidence in the camp.
Against: On a losing streak; possibly a bit one-paced in comparison to rivals at this level.
PRINCE NUREYEV
Trained by Rod Millman
Small stable aims for the big time
For: Won most recent start in manner that suggested stamina is not a problem.
Against: Huge leap in class.
REFUSE TO BEND
Trained by Dermot Weld
Guineas winner, unbeaten in four races
For: A Gr 1 winner attwo, a Classic hero at three (in the 2000 Guineas), and by a sire who has produced two most recent Derby victors. Has the speed to hold a good position, and his dam has produced stamina-packed offspring. Trainer used to plundering the big prizes
Against: Yet to race beyond one mile (but likely to be effective over further); not impressive in recent gallop and drifter in betting.
SHIELD
Trained by Gerard Butler
Yet another all-weather winner trying to bridge the gap
For: Won at Lingfield last year then stepped up to take Classic Trial (bt Inch Again) at Sandown in April; making progress in right direction; should inherit stamina from dam.
Against: Moving up in class; Inch Again let form down when well beaten at Goodwood; sire yet to produce Derby winner.
SKELLIGS ROCK
NON RUNNER
Trained by Brendan Duke
Rank outsider
For: Everyone can dream.
Against: Unlikely to cause bookmakers sleepless nights.
STRENGTH ‘N’ HONOUR
Trained by Charles Cyzer
Likely to struggle
For: Won over Derby trip (on all-weather track); fair effort when third to Shield at Sandown.
Against: Honourable, but will probably find a few too good.
SUMMERLAND
Trained by John Gosden
Unlikely to put owners in Wonderland
For: Had plenty of experience; by top sire (yet to break Derby duck); close second toAlberto Giacometti final start last year.
Against: Easily beaten off by Dutch Gold at Chester.
THE GREAT GATSBY
Trained by Aidan O’Brien
Attempting to put on a Derby show
For: His sire was second in French Derby, and dam’s sire won the Epsom equivalent, and connections have been involved in last two Derby heroes; pushed Alamshar on seasonal debut; Pat Eddery on board having switched from Let Me Try Again last week.
Against: Not top-class as a two-year-old.
UNIGOLD
Trained by Ed Dunlop
Trainer takes on father John
For: Shaped nicely when second in Predominate Stakes at Goodwood (has beating of Shield on line through Inch Again).
Against: Formbook says not good enough.
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