All is not lost for long-range Derby hope after Guineas defeat - and 66-1 is too big with improvement lurking over longer trip

It might sound harsh but perhaps Saturday’s 2,000 Guineas will come to be remembered more for an unlucky runner-up and the horses who weren’t there rather than the winner. 

Ruling Court, who benefited from a more forward position when holding off Field Of Gold, is now being pointed towards the Derby, for which he is a best-priced 5-1.

Standing in his way, though, is The Lion In Winter, whose trainer Aidan O’Brien quickly admitted defeat in a bid to get him ready for the Guineas and then saw his replacement as the Ballydoyle number one, Twain, miss the race too.