Jan tops O'Brien Derby sextet
Jan Vermeer is now the 7/4 favourite with Sky Bet for the Investec Derby on Saturday after 15 horses remained in the Epsom classic.
Last Updated: 31/05/10 4:38pm
Jan Vermeer is now the 7/4 favourite with Sky Bet for the Investec Derby on Saturday after 15 horses remained in the Epsom classic.
Ballydoyle stable jockey Johnny Murtagh has yet to confirm his ride in the race but the market is suggesting it will be last weekend's impressive Curragh winner.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien is responsible for six of the remaining entries with St Nicholas Abbey still engaged despite drifting in the betting since finishing only sixth in the 2,000 Guineas.
"Johnny Murtagh is keeping us waiting with regards a decision on his Derby mount, but the market vibes are pointing strongly to Jan Vermeer after further significant support," said Sky Bet's Matt Doyle.
Dante winner Cape Blanco and Derrinstown Derby Trial scorer Midas Touch have been left in by O'Brien, as well as likely pacemakers At First Sight and Bright Horizon.
As expected, Godolphin paid the £75,000 to supplement Goodwood winner Rewilding, however they also added to the field the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained stablemate Buzzword, fourth in the French Guineas.
The pair join Al Zir, who is set to be partnered by Ahmed Ajtebi, with Frankie Dettori expected to be on Rewilding.
"We have decided to enter Buzzword in the Investec Derby after he worked nicely at the weekend," reported Simon Crisford, the Godolphin racing manager.
"We have wanted to try him over a longer trip ever since he stayed on so well in the French 2,000 Guineas. His work was strong and this has prompted us to go for the Derby.
"We continue to be delighted with Rewilding and also have Al Zir in the Derby. Riding plans will be announced within the next 24 hours."
Henry Cecil goes in search of a fifth Derby with Bullet Train, impressive when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial, while owner Prince Khalid Abdullah has a second string to his bow with Sir Michael Stoute's Workforce.
Michael Bell's Coordinated Cut, like Workforce, will bid to improve on his placed effort in the Dante while John Gosden's Dee Stakes victor Azmeel and the Mark Tompkins-trained Ted Spread are other trial winners going forward.
Michael Jarvis' Hot Prospect completes the 15 possibles left in the Classic, although the trainer believes he is not a no-hoper.
"He's obviously an outsider, but he's a good horse in his own right," said the Newmarket handler.
"His price probably reflects his chances but I think he will run respectably. Both Classics are wide open this year."