Leopardstown report:Archipenko took his place among the ever-expanding Aidan O'Brien team of contenders for the Epsom Derby by winning under Michael Kinane at Leopardstown yesterday, but, impressive as he was, it was not the sort of display to stamp any ante-post authority on the betting for the blue riband race.

Since the Derrinstown Trial has one of the best records in recent years for throwing up serious Epsom contenders, that was a pretty disappointing outcome, but not half as disappointing as yesterday's odds-on favourite Macarthur, who could finish only third.

He was the one generally expected to make a decisive statement of Derby intent, but, after leading to the furlong pole, Macarthur was unable to handle his stable companion Archipenko, who beat off another O'Brien runner, Yellowstone, by three-parts of a length.

Bookmaker reaction was to make Archipenko, a seven length winner of his maiden here last winter, a general 14 to 1 shot for the race in three weeks.

They also stretched Macarthur to 25 to 1 and generally resolved to wait for Thursday's Dante at York before coming to any firm conclusions.

Coolmore boss John Magnier isn't one to show too much emotion, but his first reaction seemed to mirror the bookmakers'.

"It looks like a lot will depend on the Dante," Magnier said, pointing to the presence of the current 4 to 1 classic favourite Authorized in Thursday's race. But significantly he didn't rule out significant improvement from Archipenko.

"His form was good as a two-year-old and he shouldn't have a problem on fast ground. He's also out of a Nijinsky mare, so he might stay the mile and a half. Aidan's improve for their first run of the season and I'd say there is improvement in him," Magnier added.

Kinane, a trial winner on both Soldier Of Fortune and Admiralofthefleet last week, was impressed, and said: "He travelled well, quickened up well and found more when the other horse came to us. I liked him."

One Ballydoyle colt who doesn't appear to be a Derby contender though is the Newmarket Guineas fourth Duke Of Marmalade, who Magnier indicated will take his chance in the Irish 2,000 Guineas instead.

Kinane completed a double in the Group Three Amethyst Stakes as Danak kept his unbeaten record in style.

"There could be more to come, maybe at a longer distance," considered trainer John Oxx.

"He's in the Queen Anne, but I would like to see how the handicapper rates that first. He is a horse that is going forward."

The Irish 1,000 is the target for Alexander Tango after she proved herself at a mile with a three length defeat of Nell Gwyn in the Group Three fillies trial.

"We thought she might get much beyond seven furlongs but she did that very well," said Alexander Tango's trainer, Tommy Stack.

"She is still in the Guineas and the owners want to run, so we might as well take a shot."

Dermot Weld has some classic dreams of his own following Prince Erik's success in the 10 furlong maiden and they will be put to the test next in the Gallinule Stakes.

"If we're fortunate there, then we'll look at the Irish Derby," Weld said. "But as the year goes on, I think this could be a seriously good horse at a mile and a half and with some cut in the ground."

Weld and jockey Pat Smullen completed a double in the mile and a half handicap when the veteran Mutakarrim defied topweight of 10.2 to record the 14th win of his career.

"That was a special performance. Ten-year-olds win, but not many 10-year-olds win competitive Leopardstown handicaps off 10.2," Weld concluded.