14 in the Epsom Derby

Epsom, Saturday, 3 June: 14 horses are under order today in the English Derby (2nd race/14.30 h/1.6 million Euro/2423 m). Last year`s winner was Desert Crown from the stable of Sir Michael Stoute, who once again saddled a promising candidate in Passenger (Richard Kingscote). In the dress rehearsal in the Dante Stakes (Group 2), it was enough for fourth place behind The Foxes (Oisin Murphy) and White Birch (Colin Keane), who were fighting for the victory. The betting market sees Auguste Rodin (Ryan Moore) from the Aidan O`Brien stable as the new Derby hero, although he was a glaring disappointment in the 2000 Guineas. He won twice at Group level the previous year. Charlie Appleby and Godolphin are well placed with Military Order (William Buick). They easily won the Derby Trial on the all-weather track ahead of Waipiro (Tom Marquand). Arrest (Frankie Dettori) was lone class in the Chester Vase (Group 3). Running for Juddmonte, the three-year-old defeated Adelaide River (Seamie Heffernan) by six and a half lengths. Sprewell (Shane Foley) will get plenty of encouragement as an Irish Derby trial winner. Dubai Mile (Daniel Muscutt) held on creditably to finish fifth in the 2000 Guineas. San Antonio (Wayne Lordan) enters with a fresh List win.