Epsom still on Abbey agenda

ST NICHOLAS ABBEY remains on course for a tilt at the Investec Derby despite being beaten into sixth in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

An awesome display in last year’s Racing Post Trophy meant Aidan O’Brien’s colt was sent off the even-money favourite for the season’s first Classic, but he passed the post just over three lengths behind French raider Makfi.

O’Brien believes the pace of the contest was not beneficial for his charge and he remains in line for a trip to Epsom next month.