17 remain in the running to win the biggest race of the year
Published:The Queen’s Carlton House heads 17 entries for Saturday’s Derby following Monday’s confirmation stage.
The five market leaders have all stood their ground for Saturday’s classic and Carlton House – the only Sir Michael Stoute-trained horse – remains the well-backed favourite at 5/4.
Following comments from trainer Andre Fabre last week, Pour Moi continues to attract support in the Derby betting and the French fancy is now 4/1 from 6/1.
Aiden O’Brien confirmed this morning that Keiron Fallon will ride Recital (7/1) and he would now be Ballydoyle’s most fancied, although Seville remains the same price and has the stronger form based on his 1½-length defeat to Carlton House in the Dante Stakes.
Christophe Soumillon looks set to take the ride on Seville and Aiden O’Brien has three other entries in Roderic O’Connor (16/1), Memphis Tennessee (25/1) and Treasure Beach (33/1) although Roderic O’Connor looks set to bypass the Derby in favour of Sunday’s French Derby.
Backers of Native Khan were dealt a blow today when it was confirmed Fallon will ride Recital, but Johnny Murtagh is a more than capable replacement and the horse remains a 12/1 chance.
Godolphin have three entries remaining but there are doubts over Casamento and Genius Beast with Ocean War the Maktoum family’s strongest hope at 16/1.
Along with Pour Moi, France have another challenger in the Aga Khan-owned Vadamar and despite strong support for both (Vadamar is 20/1 from 33/1), both are up against it with no French winner of the Derby since 1976.
Neutrals will be cheering on Carlton House under the colours of the Queen on Saturday, but despite the favourite’s Derby odds, Saturday’s race remains a tough one to call.
