Macarthur still on derby path

Aidan O’Brien is looking to Vodafone Derby hope Macarthur to improve on his seasonal bow and put up a much sharper performance in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown on May 13.

A full-brother to 2005 Epsom hero Motivator, the son of Montjeu was beaten two lengths into third place by Mores Wells in the Ballysax Stakes last month, despite being sent off the 2-1 favourite.

O’Brien has not written off the Classic prospects of Macarthur just yet though, and he said: “He is a horse who only had one easy run as a two-year-old and we got him ready for his trial in Leopardstown.

“On paper it looked a tough race and it turned out to be so.

“Seamus (Heffernan) was happy with him through the race and he travelled well, but he blew up when going to challenge and Seamus nursed him home.

“It will be interesting to see now he improves to the Derrinstown as he does stay and handles fast ground.”

Macarthur was pushed out in the betting for Epsom after his reverse and is now a general 12-1 chance.