Aidan O'Brien has withdrawn six horses from the £2 million Betfred Derby but still retains a formidable team of 10 in the Epsom Classic. The Ballydoyle trainer, who holds a record 11 victories in the mile-and-a-half showpiece, is hot favourite to make it 12 on June 6.
His team is headed by Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini, who tops bookmakers' ante-post market at 2-1 with sponsors Betfred. Third favourite Constitution River, winner of the Dee Stakes at Chester, may be switched to the French Derby, but Pierre Bonnard, a short head second in the Leopardstown Derby Trial, is expected to make the Epsom line-up.
Water To Wine, a 25-1 chance who was a late scratch from the Chester Vase, has been withdrawn by John and Thady Gosden.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 not be represented in either the Derby or Oaks after removing Del Maro, King's Trail and Maho Bay from the colts' race. A field of 16 fillies remain in the Betfred Oaks, with the market headed by O'Brien's Amelia Earhart and Precise.
