Motivator tops Derby field

Ante-post favourite Motivator heads a field of 14 set to go to post for Saturday’s Vodafone Derby at Epsom.

The Michael Bell-trained colt has headed the market for the premier Classic since winning the Dante Stakes at York last month and he is a general 5-2 shot for the 12-furlong showpiece.

Aidan O’Brien, bidding for a third Derby win, will have four runners headed by Dee Stakes winner Gypsy King along with Irish 2000 Guineas runner-up Oratorio, Grand Central and Almighty.

Irish interests will also be represented by the David Wachman-trained Fracas, winner of two Classic trials this season.

Godolphin rely on Irish 2000 Guineas winner Dubawi and they have taken out French Guineas winner Shamardal as expected.

He was the only withdrawal at the final declaration stage and is due to run in Sunday’s French Derby instead.

John Dunlop will be double-handed with Lingfield Derby Trial winner Kong and Predominate Stakes winner Unfurled while David Elsworth runs the Dante runner-up The Geezer.

The John Hammond-trained Walk In The Park is the sole French raider while Clive Brittain has declared the Chester Vase winner Hattan.

Outsiders First Row and Kings Quay complete the line-up.