Racing: Sea The Stars heads a list of 13 horses remaining in the Investec Derby at the five-day confirmation stage. John Oxx's 2000 Guineas winner is on course to bid to become the first colt since Nashwan 20 years ago to follow up victory in the Newmarket Classic in the Epsom showpiece on Saturday.
Sea The Stars is part of a powerful Irish team led by Aidan O’Brien. The master of Ballydoyle had nine horses left in at the previous acceptance stage and has trimmed that down to six as expected.
Heading his charge is the unbeaten Fame And Glory while Rip Van Winkle, Black Bear Island and Masterofthehorse are also prominent in the betting. Classic trial winners Age Of Aquarius and Golden Sword complete his sextet.
An eight-strong contingent from the Emerald Isle is completed by 2000 Guineas third Gan Amhras, trained by Jim Bolger who sent out New Approach to take the blue riband prize 12 months ago.
The English challenge has been boosted by the inclusion of Brian Meehan’s Crowded House.
The impressive Racing Post Trophy winner scoped dirty after disappointing in York’s Dante Stakes which was won by Black Bear Island.
Godolphin are pinning their hopes on Kite Wood while trainer William Haggas has a possible outsider in Dee Stakes winner South Easter as Lester Piggott’s son-in-law tries to land a second Derby after Shaamit in 1996.
John Gosden’s Debussy and Montaff, trained by Mick Channon, complete the list.