Aidan O'Brien has withdrawn six horses from the £2 million Betfred Derby, yet still boasts a formidable team of 10 contenders for the Epsom Classic. The Ballydoyle trainer, who holds a record 11 victories in the mile-and-a-half showpiece, is the hot favourite to secure a 12th win on June 6.
Leading Contenders
O'Brien's squad is spearheaded by Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini, who heads the ante-post market at 2-1 with sponsors Betfred. Third favourite Constitution River, winner of the Dee Stakes at Chester, may be rerouted to the French Derby. However, Pierre Bonnard, who finished a short head second in the Leopardstown Derby Trial, is expected to line up at Epsom.
Other Notable Withdrawals
Water To Wine, a 25-1 chance scratched late from the Chester Vase, has been withdrawn by trainers John and Thady Gosden. Saxon Street, winner of the Blue Riband Trial, could represent the stable depending on his performance at Goodwood on Saturday.
Charlie Appleby will have no runners in either the Derby or Oaks after removing Del Maro, King's Trail, and Maho Bay from the colts' race.
Oaks Field
A field of 16 fillies remains in the Betfred Oaks, with O'Brien's Amelia Earhart and Precise heading the market.
