Sweet sixteen for Derby

Hot favourite Australia will have to defy stall 12 in a field of 16 for Saturday’s Investec Derby, the biggest assembled since 2008.

Aidan O’Brien’s regally-bred colt has been a warm order for the blue riband Classic ever since beating the highly-regarded Free Eagle last September.

He was beaten on his return to action this season in the Qipco 2000 Guineas, but his pedigree suggests he can only improve for stepping up in trip.