17 in the Epsom Derby

Epsom, Saturday 4 June: The English Derby winner will be decided from 17 contenders at Epsom Racecourse today. The £1.5 million classic is run over 2420 metres and will start at fifth (5.30pm).

Charlie Appleby and Godolphin won for the second time as a team last year through Adayar (2018) and the success story could continue today. Nations Pride (William Buick), Walk Of Stars (James Doyle) and Nahanni (Adam Kirby) are the names of the three hopefuls for the Royal Blues. The former is one of the favourites after his superior win over Hoo Ya Mal (David Probert) at List level in Newmarket. Sir Michael Stoute, who last took the Blue Riband to his stable twelve years ago with Workforce, saddles the favourite in the Dante Stakes (Group 2), Desert Crown (Richard Kingscote). Royal Patronage (Jason Hart) held up magnificently when clearly beaten for second. Aidan O`Brien is well remembered as a Derby `winner` in the recent past through Serpentine, Anthony Van Dyck and Wings of Eagles. Trying to follow in their footsteps is Stone Age (Ryan Moore), who showed not a hint of weakness in winning the Derby Trial (Group 3) over Glory Daze (Ronan Whelan) to remain unbeaten this year. Chester Vase (Group 3) winner Changingoftheguard (Wayne Lordan) and the day`s successful Star Of India (Seamie Heffernan) are also registering early chances for the Ballydoyle quarter. Piz Badile (Frankie Dettori) pinned the Ballysax Stakes (Group 3) to his banner and, like Westover (Rob Hornby) who ran strongly in the Classic Trial (Group 3), is being traded at three-figure odds.