O’Brien relishing Derby dream
The Ballydoyle trainer dominates the betting, with dazzling Racing Post Trophy winner St Nicholas Abbey one of four major chances for the Coolmore operation.
O’Brien said yesterday: “St Nicholas Abbey was always going to the Guineas and the Derby, and that has not changed.
“Midas Touch was always down for the Derrinstown and then the intention was to go to the Derby, while Cape Blanco and Jan Vermeer have the option of either France or Epsom.
“St Nicholas Abbey and Midas Touch are the two definites (for Epsom) at the moment. Cape Blanco and Jan Vermeer are both possible.”
Rewilding is poised to fly the Godolphin flag at Epsom on Saturday week as Sheikh Mohammed’s team strive to end their barren spell in the Derby.
Godolphin have not won the premier Classic since 1995, when Lammtarra struck in the hands of Walter Swinburn, but this year have a live contender in Rewilding.
The three-year-old colt, trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, is likely to be supplemented for the race following his runaway Goodwood triumph.
Frankie Dettori, who ended his own Derby hex aboard Authorized two years ago, is set to receive the leg-up.
Rewilding will be joined in the line-up by Saeed bin Suroor’s Al Zir – but the participation of fellow Godolphin candidates Chabal and Simon De Montfort is less clear cut.
“We’ll definitely supplement Rewilding for the race on Monday as he was impressive at Goodwood and ticks all of the right boxes,” said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.
“Both he and Al Zir will do a bit more work this week and jockey decisions will be made early next week.
“Sheikh Mohammed will discuss it with all of us and will make a decision, but it’s quite likely Frankie will ride Rewilding.
“Simon De Montfort will do a bit of work at the weekend and we’ll make a final decision if he goes to France or whether we’ll supplement him for Epsom.”
Michael Stoute will give Workforce the chance to shine after a pleasing workout at Lingfield on Wednesday.
The inexperienced three-year-old finished runner-up in the Dante on only his second career outing.
That effort was even more meritorious as he pulled the bit through his mouth during the race.
Coordinated Cut grew acquainted with the unique undulations of Epsom yesterday morning.
Trainer Michael Bell said: “He blew hard after the Dante and I think I undercooked him.
“The race looks pretty open and while I am not saying he will win, I do think he will go very well.”
Henry Cecil expects Bullet Train to see out the trip as the master trainer goes for a fifth win in the Investec Derby on Saturday week.
Cecil said: “He will definitely get a mile and a half and has got a bit of speed.
“He will improve from the race, but I hope he does himself justice.”
Mark Tompkins has booked Michael Hills for the ride on Ted Spread after Darryll Holland, his original choice, was ruled out after fracturing his collarbone at Beverley on Wednesday night.
One of the other jockeys who had been in the frame for the ride on the Chester Vase winner was Kieren Fallon.
“We talked to Kieren but we had a hell of a job trying to get hold of him,” Tompkins added.
“He may still be hanging out for one of Aidan’s (O’Brien), I don’t know, but I couldn’t afford to hang about so I made the decision to book Michael.”
Meanwhile, Lillie Langtry will miss the Investec Oaks on Friday week and head instead for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
On what was her first run of the season, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly was a fast-finishing fifth in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday, and was as short as 16-1 for the Epsom Classic.
O’Brien said: “Lillie Langtry was very unlucky at the Curragh at the weekend and in another few strides would have got up, she didn’t get out until the race was over.
“She will miss Epsom and will instead run in the Coronation Stakes.”
