Aidan O Brien Leopardstown 04.09.2010

Aidan O'Brien: trainer could run just two as he goes for a third Derby win

  PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)  

O'Brien could run just two in Saturday's Derby

AIDAN O'BRIEN raised the possibility on Wednesday night of only having two runners in Saturday's Investec Derby which could lead the joint-smallest field for more than 100 years.

Ryan Moore will ride Astrology when the Dee Stakes winner will join stablemate Camelot, the odds on favourite, in the line-up for the Classic.

Speaking on Wednesday night O'Brien said: "Camelot and Astrology will represent us in the Derby. Joseph [O'Brien] rides Camelot and Ryan [Moore] will be on Astrology. Decisions about the other three colts we have in the race - Imperial Monarch, Father Of Science and Tower Rock - will be made in the morning.

"There is a possibility that Imperial Monarch might go to Chantilly for the Prix du Jockey Club on Sunday instead while we are having further blood tests done on Father Of Science and Tower Walk. We will make all those decisions before declaration time in the morning."

Astrology made all to win the Dee Stakes at Chester by 11 lengths while Imperial Monarch, winner of his only start last year, landed the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown on his reappearance last month. 

If O'Brien takes three runners out and the others all stand their ground at Thursday's final declaration stage a field of nine, the same as in 1907, will go to post.

 

Derrinstown Derby Trial

Battle Of Marengo does the business, but is he a Derby winner in waiting?

12 May 2013

Lingfield Derby Trial

Another trial winner for Aidan O'Brien as Nevis romps home

11 May 2013

Lingfield Oaks Trial

See why Secret Gesture is now second favourite for the Oaks

11 May 2013

THERE is no race, anywhere on earth, laden with as much history and prestige as the Epsom Derby. Conjured by 18th century aristocrats sitting over dinner it soon became the pre-eminent contest for three-year-olds and would go on to inspire hundreds of imitator races across the globe.

It remains a truly national sporting event. 125,000 descend on the Downs on the day of the race for a very British party. Double decker buses disgorge sun-seekers in everything from flip-flops to cocktail dresses, barbecues are sparked and laden with British bangers and bookies tout the favourite as a gamblng frenzy erupts in the build-up to the race.