Mission impossible looking more possible with 50-1 long gone

It couldn't possibly happen, could it? Yet, as each Classic comes and goes, the impossible is beginning to look possible. Four from four so far.

Those who snapped up the 50-1 Ladbrokes were offering early last week about Aidan O'Brien winning all ten Classics in Ireland and Britain this year will have a smug look on their faces, and he is now as short as 10-1 with BoyleSports for the clean sweep.

Paddy Power make him a 14-1 shot to achieve that astonishing feat, and the Ballydoyle magician is just 5-4 to win the five Irish Classics with the same firm.

Given the amount of bullets he will fire at the Investec Derby on Saturday – his challenge spearheaded by Cliffs Of Moher – and the fact that Rhododendron is such a warm order for the Investec Oaks, it is hardly surprising William Hill go just 7-2 about O'Brien making it six from six at Epsom next weekend.

"You just cannot bet against Moore and O’Brien, they are simply awesome," said Hills spokesman Rupert Adams.

Aidan O'Brien 2017 specials

William Hill

Win Oaks and Derby: 7-2

Top runner in Derby: 4-5 Cliffs Of Moher, 5 Capri, Venice Beach, 8 Douglas Macarthur, 10 Wings Of Eagles, 20 The Anvil

Number of UK Classic winners: 6-5 three, 7-4 four, 5 two, 6 five

Paddy Power

Classic winners this season (UK & Ireland): 7-4 eight, 11-4 seven, 3 nine, 7 four to six, 14 ten