AIDAN O’BRIEN has finalised his three-pronged assault on the Investec Derby as John Gosden remained hopeful of a second win at Epsom.
While previous Ballydoyle ante-post favourite St Nicholas Abbey was ruled out of the colts’ Classic after a minor setback, Jan Vermeer would appear as the ideal replacement as O’Brien bids for a first Derby win in eight years.
The Montjeu colt is now just 2-1 favourite with William Hill, BlueSquare, bet365 and Paddy Power.
Stable jockey Johnny Murtagh will ride Jan Vermeer, while Midas Touch – who won the Derrinstown Stud Trial Stakes – will be partnered by Colm O’Donohue. The Galileo colt is a best-priced 13-2 third favourite with William Hill and Victor Chandler.
O’Brien’s third runner At First Sight will be ridden by Seamie Heffernan.
Dante Stakes hero Cape Blanco, who was entered at Epsom, looks set to run in the French Derby 24 hours later at Chantilly, along with Viscount Nelson.
Gosden, meanwhile, is looking forward to running Azmeel, winner of the Dee Stakes at Chester, at Epsom on Saturday. Gosden landed the Derby with Benny The Dip in 1997 and Azmeel is a general 12-1 chance with most bookmakers.
Gosden said: “He’s a progressive horse. He ran three times last year but we probably shouldn’t have run him the third time. Fortunately he was ridden by Mick Kinane who looked after the horse properly as he was still at the weak stage.
“I think the experience of running round Chester helps a horse grow up a lot and we think he has come on mentally since then and his work has been pleasing.”
Godolphin booked Kieren Fallon for Al Zir on Tuesday and trainer Saeed bin Suroor is expecting him to improve from his run in the 2,000 Guineas when the colt finished ninth behind Makfi.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: “We’re happy to use Kieren, he’s a very good jockey. It’s great to use him and he rides Epsom very well. He’s won many races there.
“He’s a great jockey and he’s in good form now. We’ve talked to him and he’s happy to ride for us.
“I’ve liked this horse since last year.
“He’s a good looking animal and his work always showed some class. He won at Newmarket and Doncaster and was third in the Racing Post Trophy. I was disappointed with him in the Guineas, but he’s come back from the race very well.
“He’s the best he’s ever been and if he’s good enough, he’ll win. I’m so happy with the horse, he’s running over the right distance, is in good condition and good form and we are looking to see a good run from him.
“He’s a big horse.
“I hope he gets into a nice position and I think he will handle the course.”
Epsom clerk of the course Andrew Cooper has completed the watering to provide good ground for the Derby meeting.
Following 3.5mm of rain on Tuesday, a further 2mm of water was applied artificially yesterday.
With dry and warm conditions expected for the rest of the week, Cooper said: “We are now getting close to the stage where we might say that watering is finished, although we could have a look at the home straight on Thursday morning and give it another application of 2mm.
“I don’t think we’ll have dried out to good to firm by Friday, but obviously the track will be that little bit quicker on Saturday.”
TODAY’S NAP: Crocodile Bay (3.40pm Hamilton).
