By Andrew Atkinson
ADIAN O’Brien is ready to add to his plethora of success in the historic Derby on June 1 – with the Irish maestro trainer having a trio of horses leading the 2019 Investec Derby betting.
“Epsom is always where we want to be,” said Ballydoyle ace O’Brien, who has won the Derby six times.
O’Brien entries Sir Dragonet (3-1), Broome (4-1) and Anthony Van Dyke (5-1) head ante post betting in the 1 mile four furlongs Classic Group 1 race.
“What we’ve asked Sir Dragonet to do he’s done really well,” said O’Brien, aiming to get on a par with Robert Robson, John Porter and Fred Darling, the training trio each having won the Derby seven times.
“We always thought Anthony Van Dyck would get the distance. Ryan (Moore) thought he got the trip very well at Lingfield,” said O’Brien.
O’Brien, successful in previous Derby victories with Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Camelot (2012), Ruler Of The World (2013), Australia (2014) and Wings Of Eagles (2017), has eight of the 18 entries going to post in Epsom’s Classic race.
Preparation runs at Chester, Lingfield, Epsom and Leopardstown has seen O’Brien at the forefront of aces up his sleeve – in a bid for a record-equalling seventh Derby triumph.
“They have done what has been asked – and they’ll come forward for their trials,” said O’Brien.
Favourite Sir Dragonet has been supplemented for the Derby, costing £85,000, with connections aiming at Epsom, rather than France for the John Magnier owned horse.
Telecaster, trained by Hughie Morrison, winner of the Dante Stakes, is priced at 7-1; with Bangkok, trained by Andrew Balding, priced at 8-1.
O’Brien trained Japan (10-1), Madhmoun, trained by Kevin Prendergast (14-1), Roger Varian trained Surfman (14-1), and O’Brien trained Circus Maximus (20-1).
