Derby hope catches the eye on gallops as he builds up to Epsom

The 2021 Flat season is well under way and it's full steam ahead to the first of the Irish Classics this weekend – the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas – and next month's Epsom Classics, the Cazoo Derby and Cazoo Oaks.

Market movers come thick and fast as the key Classic trials are run in Britain and Ireland, but big-race contenders can come from anywhere and it's easy to miss a potential dark horse. Classic Clues, our new series running every morning, has you covered.

Here's a recap of Wednesday's action and how it's impacted the Classic betting, while we mark your card with key names to note today.

Key workouts take place in Newmarket

One Ruler, who was well backed for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket ante-post, has again been catching the eye on the gallops as he treads a path en route to the Derby.

The son of Dubawi finished sixth on the Rowley Mile and will not mind the recent wet weather as he won the Group 3 Autumn Stakes on soft ground as a juvenile before finishing second to Mac Swiney in the Vertem Futurity on heavy at Doncaster. He is a general 33-1 chance.

Oaks fancy Zeyaadah (left) impressed at home recentlyCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Zeyaadah, last seen finishing second to Dubai Fountain in the Cheshire Oaks, also caught the eye in her homework and is expected to reverse the form with Mark Johnston's filly by many.

As such, she is as short as 7-1 to give trainer Roger Varian another Group 1 at Epsom after Defoe scored in the 2019 Coronation Cup.

Members' Club: Classic hope One Ruler impresses under three-time Derby winner Kieren Fallon

Evening treat

Do not expect to see either a Derby or Oaks winner on display on Thursday, but there will still be some potential Group 1 winners taking to the turf in Sandown's Heron Stakes (6.55).

All but one of the runners boast an entry in the St James's Palace Stakes, as well as a handful with Coral-Eclipse aspirations.

Without Parole (white cap) won the Heron Stakes before going on to victory at Royal Ascot in 2018Credit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

John and Thady Gosden will be hoping either Mithras or Mostahdaf can follow in similar footsteps to Without Parole, who won this race before going on to score at Royal Ascot in 2018.

Godolphin's Highland Avenue heads the market after winning his last three starts and has to give 3lb away all round.

If you want more on the 2021 Flat season:

Members' Club: Credible British hopes for the Derby are in short supply - and no wonder

Royal Ascot limit of 4,000 spectators leaves no room for general admission

British racecourses to look into legal action in battle against drones

Where can I go racing in Britain this month and how can I buy tickets?

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