Ballydoyle battalion: a horse-by-horse guide to Aidan O'Brien's Derby contenders

Aidan O'Brien has conspired to farm a mammoth 20 victories in the Investec and Irish Derbys and on Thursday he confirmed his plans for the two upcoming Classics. Richard Forristal profiles the dozen contenders the trainer has shortlisted for the Curragh and Epsom showpieces. The Ballydoyle maestro has yet to plunder the French equivalent, the Prix du Jockey Club, but has nominated at least one candidate for the Chantilly prize on July 5

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Tiger Moth – Overcame a less than clear passage to win a decent 1m2f maiden quite tidily at Leopardstown. Takes a big step up now and distaff pedigree suggests 1m4f could be a stretch, although being by Galileo will help. He’d struggle in a normal Irish Derby but this is no normal year. If he is ridden to get home, he could figure prominently, but the suspicion remains that 1m2f will be his optimum trip.

Dawn Patrol – A Galileo three-parts brother to Epsom hero Pour Moi, this fellow was the apparent first string when he and Tiger Moth met at Leopardstown. Despite getting the run of the race, stealing first run on Tiger Moth in the straight, he had no answer to the eventual winner’s potent turn of foot. However, after being tapped for toe, he kept on again to the line, and this step up in trip ought to suit. Could be unwise to underestimate.