Racing: Ballydoyle have confirmed a six-strong squad likely to make up the Aidan O'Brien assault on the Investec Derby at Epsom next Saturday. O'Brien currently dominates the betting for the mile-and-a-half Classic, with impressive Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Fame And Glory heading the market.
Joining him on the trip to Epsom will be 2000 Guineas fourth Rip Van Winkle, Lingfield Derby Trial winner Age Of Aquarius, Dante Stakes winner Black Bear Island and Chester Vase 1-2 Golden Sword and Masterofthehorse.
Dante runner-up Freemantle and recent Leopardstown winner Johann Zoffany are both described as “probable non-runners”, while O’Brien’s only other Derby entry, Malibu Bay, has the French equivalent on his agenda.
Coolmore spokesman Richard Henry said: “Aidan has got six horses for the Derby with Age Of Aquarius, Black Bear Island, Masterofthehorse, Rip Van Winkle, Fame And Glory and Golden Sword all running.
“Freemantle is a probable non-runner and Johann Zoffany probably doesn’t run. Those two are both possibles for Royal Ascot.
“Malibu Bay definitely doesn’t run and he goes for the French Derby. Along with him in the French Derby are Westphalia and Drumbeat, and Set Sail is a possible for France.”
Henry also confirmed the six jockeys booked for O’Brien’s Epsom team, although a decision on who rides what will not be made until later in the week.
“Our six jockeys, in no particular order, are Johnny Murtagh, Seamus Heffernan, Colm O’Donoghue, Pat Smullen, Richard Hughes and Ryan Moore,” he said.
“There has been no decision on who is going to ride what yet because the horses will work again next week and the ground and other factors will come into play.”