1

Adayar

A beautiful looking colt but his form so far does not suggest that he is about to win the Derby. Second on both starts this year, having no answers to the powerful surge of Third Realm at Lingfield.

2

Bolshoi Ballet

Anticipated hot favourite after two super G3 victories this year, latterly with his mid-race acceleration destroying the hopes of his rivals over 2000m at Leopardstown in May. Uncomplicated and the extra distance is probably a plus.

3

Gear Up

Finished his two-year-old career on a high, leading nearly throughout to win a Saint-Cloud G1 on heavy ground. Didn’t have enough pace to threaten in a G2 on his 2021 return, and unlikely to get the slow ground he seems to need.

4

Hurricane Lane

Unbeaten in all three starts, he’s a big colt who gallops fluently and has a great temperament. Briefly outpaced in a G2 at York in May but too strong for his rivals late on. Extra trip at Epsom is surely positive.

5

John Leeper

Has won both his starts this season and came into the reckoning for this Classic with a Listed 2000m win at Newmarket, quickening stylishly despite having over-raced early in a slowly run event. No worries about this trip.

6

Mac Swiney

Already twice a G1 winner, thriving on the heavy ground he battled hard to win at Doncaster last year, and most recently again showed a fantastic attitude with a gate-to-wire win at The Curragh. Jumps up in trip but his pedigree is hopeful.

7

Mohaafeth

Unbeaten in three 2021 starts though the middle win was in a handicap. However looked to be fast improving given the style in which he thrashed three rivals in a 2000m Newmarket Listed event. No stamina issues expected.

8

Mojo Star

From a top stable and with a brilliant jockey despite which his chance is extremely remote. Has  twice run encouragingly when runner-up at Newbury but this is a completely different task.

9

One Ruler

Won a G3 and second in a G1 at two, but did not live up to some lofty 2021 expectations when sixth in a G1 Classic at Newmarket. Up from 1600m, a big and somewhat worrying rise in trip.

10

Southern Lights

Always headed for a Derby trial after a decisive 2000m maiden win in April. In the event, although he didn’t have an ideal trip, he was only sixth of seven in that Leopardstown G3. Hard to fancy.

11

Third Realm

A late-maturing type who revealed his Classic pretensions when winning a Listed trial for this event at Lingfield, surging from the back past more fancied rivals. Stamina assured and looks ground versatile.

12

Youth Spirit

Might not have the class to win, but his owner is a big fan of this Classic. Didn’t get a perfect trip, but still won a G3 at Chester in May. Has plenty of stamina whilst slow ground provides his best hope of an upset win.