Aidan O'Brien 1-2 to win the Derby after Anthony Van Dyck lands Lingfield trial

Aidan O'Brien won his third key Derby trial in four days and was cut to 1-2 (from 8-11) to win the Epsom Classic by Paddy Power, after Anthony Van Dyck painted his rivals into the corner with a classy turn of foot at Lingfield.

Most impressed were Paddy Power, who cut the son of Galileo, who is generally available at 8-1 (from 12), into 5-1 behind his stablemate Sir Dragonet.

The Ballydoyle maestro also has a serious chance of bagging the two remaining Derby trials, with leading fancies in both the Derrinstown Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown and the Dante Stakes at York.

In the race itself, Ryan Moore had Anthony Van Dyck tucked away on the inside rail off a decent pace set by outsider Severance, before the pair made their move two furlongs from home.

Despite being an easy-to-back 2-1 favourite, the winner showed no signs of stopping to see off the challenge of gallant runner-up Pablo Escobarr and third-placed Nate The Great. The well-backed Cap Francais was fourth.

Anthony Van Dyck was cut for the Derby after winning on his reappearanceCredit: Mark Cranham

None of O'Brien's four previous winners of the Listed trial, two of which have been partnered by Moore, has gone on to cut much ice at Epsom, although last year's runner up Kew Gardens did go on to win the St Leger.

Part-owner Paul Smith said: "Ryan was delighted with Anthony Van Dyck. He said he gave him a nice feel and he's always been a class horse from his Dewhurst days. He'll come on for the run and there were a few fit ones in there so it was a good performance.

"Aidan has them in great form but it's difficult to talk about pecking orders especially when you have sleepers like Sir Dragonet. We have other trials still to come and need to see what happens tomorrow in Ireland and in the Dante, but this fellow would be up in the pecking order at the moment."

Ryan Moore, who last won the race with the O'Brien-trained Kilimanjaro in 2015, added: "That was very smooth all the way around for Anthony Van Dyck and he was happy going up in trip. He'll improve for the run."

Despite having to settle for the minor honours, James Doyle was satisfied with the performance of with runner-up Pablo Escobarr, but warned the Derby may be a bridge too far.

James Doyle on Pablo Escobarr: 'I don't know if it's Derby form'Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"That was a good run," Doyle said. "He's a gutsy horse and we knew he would stay and that he had form on easy ground. He sets a fair level but I don't know if it's Derby form as this hasn't been the right trial for years."

The runner-up's trainer William Haggas reflected: "I thought he ran a good race. He's a very solid galloping horse and horses who stay a mile and a half and try hard are hard to find.

"The owner might want a shot at the Derby, but he's in lots of races. I'd just like to win a race with him somewhere now, as he's been beaten twice, but that's not going to be straightforward."

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app