Fallon facing Derby choice

Kieren Fallon faces a tough choice as he decides what to ride in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom on Saturday.

The jockey, seeking a fourth triumph in the premier Classic, has the pick of the five possibles from Aidan O’Brien’s stable: Septimus, Horatio Nelson, Mountain, Dylan Thomas and Altius.

However, he could also partner the Michael Stoute-trained Papal Bull, who was supplemented at the five-day confirmation stage at a cost of £75,000 (€109,500), leaving 22 engaged.

The latter, like the O’Brien entries, are owned by the Coolmore and Ballydoyle trio of John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor.

Fallon told Racing UK: “Of Aidan’s, it’s hard to say which is best. Horatio Nelson has the best form but the others will definitely be suited by the longer distance.

“It’s going to be soft ground at Ballydoyle so it’s going to be difficult to get an accurate feel. We’ll just see.

“I see Sir Michael Stoute has supplemented Papal Bull, who is a horse I think highly of. It’ll be a tough one. He’ll have to be an option. I was impressed with him at Chester (when winning the Vase).

“If I’d have gone a furlong earlier he would have put distance between himself and his rivals. If that had happened he’d be a leading fancy as well.”