1

Adelaide River

Slowly improving and seems to give it his best shot each time. However, he was 6.5l behind today’s rival Arrest in a G3 at Chester last month, and that rival was easing down. A win looks very unlikely.

2

Arrest

Placed himself firmly in the Derby picture with a runaway victory in a soft-ground G3 at Chester last month. Likely faster ground at Epsom is a concern for this athletic colt, but no stamina worries.

3

Artistic Star

Unbeaten, winning a maiden and a novices’ event, in the latter quite easily at Sandown. Now taking a big leap in class. Both wins came on a slow surface, but faster conditions are expected to suit.

4

Auguste Rodin

Closed down last year with a hugely impressive G1 victory at Doncaster. Failed to fire in a G1 Newmarket Classic on his return but very likely that he will be a different proposition this time, and up to this trip.

5

Dear My Friend

Despite a slow start he proved narrowly too good when winning a Listed event at Newcastle on his 2023 return. Has ground to make up with some of these rivals when subsequently eighth in a York G2.

6

Dubai Mile

A heavy-ground G1 winner over 2000m at Saint-Cloud on the final 2022 start of this inexpensively-purchased colt. Couldn’t quicken late on in a G1 Newmarket Classic on return but it was still a decent start to 2023 over an inadequate trip.

7

King Of Steel

This big colt won a maiden on his career debut but then didn’t make a big impact when immediately launched into G1 company. Breeding suggests that he may thrive at this trip, but winning chances are slim.

8

Military Order

Has won both starts this year, giving the impression that he is a classy and progressive colt. Latterly he proved himself at this trip in Listed class at Lingfield, with the first and second clear of the rest. Good chances.

9

Passenger

Supplemented into this after a desperately unlucky run in York’s prestigious G2 Derby trial, each time he looked set to launch a menacing run, his progress was blocked. Interesting despite this being only his third career start.

10

San Antonio

Has won both starts this season latterly leading for some of the trip at Chester, though that Listed event has not had much bearing on the Derby outcome in recent times. He will need to progress for this longer trip.

11

Sprewell

Has won both starts this season and a burst of speed quickly left his rivals in trouble in a G3 at Leopardstown last month. Up in trip again, but he should stay especially given his relaxed style.

12

The Foxes

Won the principal Derby trial – a G2 at York – last month, showing a really fighting attitude. Up in trip but decent chances that he will last it plus expected quick ground would be in his favour.

13

Waipiro

After a modest debut he has made fast progress and his second to possible Derby favourite Military Order at Lingfield last month – with the rest well behind – shows that he deserves his chance. Fast ground is wanted.

14

White Birch

Slowly away and looking outpaced but finished strongly when a close second in a G2 at York last month. Needs to prove that he can handle this trip but he’s a well-balanced colt who could be suited by Epsom’s gradients.