Ballydoyle Classic hopes at York

Aidan O’Brien could unleash two more members of his powerful three-year-old squad at York next week with Albert Hall and Mona Lisa set to represent last weekend’s dual Classic-winning trainer on the Knavesmire.

O’Brien, who won the UltimatePoker.com 2000 and 1000 Guineas at Newmarket with Footstepsinthesand and Virginia Waters, has pencilled in his Vodafone Derby hope Albert Hall for the totesport Dante Stakes on Thursday week.

Mona Lisa is lined up for a return to action in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes 24 hours earlier.

“We are thinking of possibly Albert Hall for the Dante and starting Mona Lisa off in the Musidora,” O’Brien said today.

“Albert Hall won the Beresford at the Curragh and then he was second in the Racing Post Trophy. He’s a big horse who has done very well over the winter.”

Albert Hall is a best-priced 16-1 for the Derby.

“Mona Lisa is still a maiden,” O’Brien continued. “She finished fourth in the Fillies’ Mile at Ascot and she just got checked a couple of times late on, and we think it cost her two or three lengths.

“Then we took her to America and she was very slowly away and lost her chance at the gate.

“She’ll get further than a mile, so we are starting her off at a mile and a quarter.”

Mona Lisa can be backed at 40-1 for the Vodafone Oaks.