Slick Saxon Warrior new Derby favourite after impressive victory

Saxon Warrior leapt to favouritism for the Investec Derby after giving trainer Aidan O’Brien his 17th win – and a magnificent seven in a row – in the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes

Transferred to Naas this year with the Curragh being redeveloped, the mile event was first won by O'Brien in 1996 when Johan Cruyff was successful but only two of the trainer's winners – Septimus and Capri – went on to Classic glory.

Paddy Power make Saxon Warrior 6-1 (from 20-1) for the Investec Derby, while BoyleSports go 8-1 (from 20-1) and Coral 12-1 (from 16-1). Paddy Power go 10-1 (from 20-1) for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Saxon Warrior and Ryan Moore power in to give Aidan O'Brien his 17th Beresford Stakes and seventh in a rowCredit: Patrick McCann

Saxon Warrior is entered for the Juddmonte Royal Lodge and the Racing Post Trophy, but O'Brien and the colt's owners have yet to decide whether the son of Deep Impact will run again this season.

He said: "He doesn't have to have another run this season, but we'll wait and see. We're delighted with his performance.

"We were a bit worried about the soft ground and Ryan [Moore] said it wasn't ideal for him. But he liked him and said he travelled strongly through the race and quickened up well.

"Ryan said he felt pacey, so we'll wait and see which way we'll go with him next year. He does look a Classic colt and is still quite inexperienced.

Moore discusses Saxon Warrior's success with the Ballydoyle teamCredit: Patrick McCann

"It was a good effort as our other two runners won maidens and were Group 3-placed before coming here. They should make into decent middle-distance horses next year."

Saxon Warrior, who was sent off the 5-6 favourite, hit the front well over a furlong out and was soon in full control.

The winner's stablemate Delano Roosevelt was two and a half lengths back in second with Warm The Voice a head away in third and Kew Gardens, another Ballydoyle colt, a further head adrift in fourth.

Moore was winning the race for the second time, having landed the prize on Capri, this year's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and William Hill St Leger winner, a year ago.

Juddmonte Beresford Stakes result and analysis