O'Brien keeping Derby options open

CLASSIC CONTENDER: Delacroix put his name in the Derby mix by winning the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown. Picture: Healy Racing 

Aidan O'Brien is set to fire several bullets at this year's Betfred Derby but accepts that Delacroix has emerged as his leading hope of securing a third straight blue riband triumph.

The Ballydoyle handler has enjoyed a superb run of results in recognised trials for the Epsom Classic, including victories for new ante-post favourite Delacroix, Lambourn, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Puppet Master.