O’Brien - ‘Expect improvement from Ballysax trio - especially The Pentagon’

Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes | 1m2f | ATR

In the past week we’ve learned Aidan O’Brien has an outstanding Investec Derby contender in the shape of brilliant 2,000 Guineas winner Saxon Warrior and the supporting cast at Ballydoyle aren’t too bad either.

There was a time the Derrinstown ruled the roost over other trials, with Sinndar [2000], Galileo [2001] and High Chaparral [2002] securing Derby victories after success in the Leopardstown Group 3.

O’Brien, the most successful trainer in the race’s history with 11 wins, is represented by Nelson, Delano Roosevelt and The Pentagon, who finished in that order in the Ballysax here last month.

O’Brien said: “We think they have come on since running first, second and third in the Ballysax over course and distance.

“The ground was far from ideal for them last time, especially for The Pentagon, who has come on nicely since, and the better conditions should suit them all. All of them seem in good form.”

Is The Pentagon the pick of O’Brien’s three?

With Ryan Moore in action at Longchamp, Seamie Heffernan will take over aboard The Pentagon, who seemed to get bogged down in the heavy ground when third on his seasonal return in the Ballysax.

That performance saw the colt's price drift from a general 8-1 out to 14-1 for the Derby, but last year's Tyros Stakes winner, who ended his season with a solid third in the Racing Post Trophy, is expected to fare much better back racing on a nicer surface.

However, for those looking towards Epsom, it's worth noting that a Derby winner hasn't emerged from this race since High Chaparral.

The most recent Derrinstown winner to perform well at Epsom was the O'Brien-trained Fame And Glory, who was second in 2009.

Will Nelson and Delano Roosevelt confirm superiority?

Nelson (Donnacha O'Brien, far side) lands the Ballysax Stakes ahead of Delano RooseveltCredit: Patrick McCann

It could be the case that Nelson and Delano Roosevelt, who pulled over eight lengths clear of The Pentagon in the Ballysax, didn't get the credit they deserved on the day.

There can be few three-year-old colts with a better attitude than Nelson, who fought hard for that success under Donnacha O'Brien, who retains the partnership.

Delano Roosevelt is a classy colt in his own right, having got to within a little over two lengths of Saxon Warrior in the Beresford Stakes at the end of his two-year-old campaign. He is the mount of Wayne Lordan.

Haz to have a chance?

Hazapour, out of a half-sister to dual Derby hero Harzand, bids to outline his own Classic credentials on his seasonal return.

The Shamardal colt announced himself as a classy staying sort when accounting for Hunting Horn and Whirling Dervish in a backend Galway maiden before finishing third in the Eyrefield Stakes here in October.

Trainer Dermot Weld said: “He’s a nice colt who showed good form last year. He's having his first run of the season and we're hoping he'll pick up some black type.”

Can The King reign on his return?

The King, trained by Jessica Harrington, is one of the least exposed runners, having yet to test the waters outside of maiden company.

That said, The King's maiden victory at Gowran Park in September was very impressive, and the form has worked out well, with the second, Imaging, going on to win this year's Tetrarch Stakes at Naas.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com