Derby victory increases O’Brien’s options for Coral Eclipse

Aidan O’Brien will of course have several options including the beaten Derby duo of Mars (12-1) and Battle Of Marengo (14-1). Last year’s Derby winner Camelot is also in contention at 6-1 despite his recent defeat to Al Kazeem. Three-time Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey is also a 12-1 chance and Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician is 7-1.

The Derby form is going to be difficult to evaluate this year after seven horses finished within four lengths at the line. Only High Chaparral in 2002 has recorded a slower winning time in the race in the last 20 years. The pedestrian early pace proved the undoing of 5-4 favourite Dawn Approach who pulled for his head and was a spent force long before the race began in earnest.

Ruler Of The World benefited from an outstanding ride from Ryan Moore to win by a length and a half from the fast finishing Libertarian with Galileo Rock, Battle Of Marengo, Ocovango, Mars and Chopin finishing on their heels. The leading protagonists are likely to meet again for the Irish Derby with the St Leger an automatic objective for the second and third.

St Nicholas Abbey claimed his third Coronation Cup with the minimum of fuss as he gained first run on Dunaden to win by three and three-quarter lengths. The King George and the Hardwicke were nominated as likely summer targets for the winner.

Talent sprang a 20-1 surprise to beat her better-fancied stablemate Secret Gesture in the Oaks on Friday. It provided trainer Ralph Beckett with a 1-2 in the race and the pair could meet again in the Irish Oaks.

Duke Of Firenze has been cut to 12-1 favourite for the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot after flying home under Ryan Moore to land the Epsom Dash. Having looked to be in a difficult position over a furlong out, the field parted like the Red Sea to enable Duke Of Firenze to quicken up and win nicely. Smoothtalkinrascal also finished strongly but could not quite catch the favourite.

Derby Result: 1st Ruler Of The World 7-1, 2nd Libertarian 14-1, 3rd Galileo Rock 25-1