Racing: Kieren Fallon will partner Horatio Nelson in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom on Saturday. Ballydoyle confirmed the news after Aidan O'Brien's colt underwent a successful scope and blood test this morning following a workout under Fallon on Tuesday.
The Irish rider also put O'Brien's other Derby contenders - Septimus, Dylan Thomas and Mountain - through their paces but was left most impressed with the son of Danehill, who finished eighth behind George Washington in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last time out.
Impressive Dante winner Septimus will now be ridden be Michael Kinane, while Johnny Murtagh, who won the Derby for O'Brien on High Chaparral in 2002, takes the ride of Dylan Thomas.
Plans for Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial runner-up Mountain have yet to be finalised.
Horatio Nelson's price to win the Epsom Classic plummeted yesterday following growing speculation Fallon, who also had the option of riding Coolmoore's Papal Bull from Sir Michael Stoute's yard, held a preference for Horatio Nelson.
Coral slashed his odds from 8-1 to 4-1 after a barrage of sizeable bets, while totesport make him 9-2 clear second favourite.
Alexandrova will face 10 rivals as she bids to earn O'Brien yet another Classic in the Oaks on Friday.
The daughter of Sadler's Wells only has one victory to her name from five career starts - but was only beaten a short-head in the Group One Fillies' Mile at Newmarket last term.
She then finished second in the Group Three Musidora Stakes at York by Sir Michael Stoute's Short Skirt, who reopposes once again in the hands of Mick Kinane.
Stoute will also be represented by Riyalma, owned by the Aga Khan and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, although his Swettenham Stud Fillies' Trial winner Scottish Stage has been taken out of the race.
Stan James 1000 Guineas winner Speciosa, Time On, Galatee and John Best's Rising Cross - the four supplementary entries - all stand their ground.
Guilia, second to Scottish Stage at Newbury, will take her chance for Rae Guest, while the Mick Channon pair of Kassiopeia and Kaylianni and Barry Hills' maiden Prowess complete the field.