Baker’s dozen in Derby
As expected Aidan O’Brien has six runners in the mile and a half contest with 2000 Guineas fourth Rip Van Winkle and Derrinstown Derby Trial winner Fame And Glory heading the team.
Joining them from Ballydoyle are Age Of Aquarius, Black Bear Island, Golden Sword and Masterofthehorse.
To add further strength to the Irish dominance, John Oxx’s 2000 Guineas hero Sea The Stars makes the journey across the water, as does Jim Bolger’s Gan Amhras, third at Newmarket.
Brian Meehan’s Crowded House bids to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Dante Stakes, while Kite Wood represents the powerful Godolphin operation.
Epsom winner Debussy, Montaff and Dee Stakes winner South Easter complete the line-up.
Crowded House’s joint-owner Paul Reddam is hopeful his charge can bounce back to form in what he believes is an open contest.
“It was only yesterday when I arrived in England I found out he was going to run at Epsom and it was very exciting to hear that,” said Reddam.
“This year’s Derby looks to be fairly wide open and there doesn’t seem to be a superstar coming into the race as far as I can tell.
“It’s really exciting and we wouldn’t run the horse if we didn’t think he had a reasonable chance to win.”
