Several fancied runners are uncertain starters in this race. The hot favourite is Visindar, although there has been plenty of support for Horatio Nelson, following a sparkling work out.

ATLANTIC WAVES: A slightly lucky winner of the Feilden Stakes last time out, beating English 2000 Guineas third Olympian Odyssey. He has won two of his three starts, with his sole defeat coming in the Autumn Stakes (Gp3). He was beaten two lengths on that occasion by Blitzkrieg. Highly rated by his trainer, Mark Johnston, he is from the family of unbeaten Derby winner Lammtarra. He certainly has the pedigree to win a Derby, his sire being responsible for two previous winners, whilst his Derby winner broodmare sire is the sire of Slip Anchor.

3 c Sadler's Wells – Highest Accolade, by Shirley Heights

BEFORE YOU GO : Finished last in the Lingfield Derby Trial (Gp3) last time out. He has over five lengths to find with Lindas Lad and is hard to fancy. Two of his three wins have come on the all weather and he is looks outclassed here. He did win the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom but takes a step up in class.

3 c Sadler's Wells – Here On Earth, by Mr Prospector

 

BEST ALIBI: Was beaten eight lengths in the Dante Stakes (Gp2) when second to Septimus. The latter is not considered Ballydoyle's main hope which makes it hard to fancy this colt, although his trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has an excellent record in the race.

3 c King's Best – Chauncey Lane, by Sadler's Wells

 

CHAMPIONSHIP POINT: Was a very impressive winner last time out of the Predominate Stakes. The Mick Channon trained colt was a smart two-year-old, winning the Chesham Stakes and running second to Lindas Lad in a Listed race. He has won three of his four starts and is clearly a very talented horse. Bids to give his trainer his first Derby success.

3 c Lomitas – Flying Squaw, by Be My Chief

 

DRAGON DANCER : Was second to Papal Bull in the Chester Vase at his last start. It is hard to know how good that form is as Dragon Dancer remains a maiden after four starts. Prior to his Chester run, he had been second to the well thought of, and possible Derby contender, Hala Bek. He is trained by Geoff Wragg, who won the Derby with Teenoso in 1983.

3 c Sadler's Wells – Alakanda, by Hernado

 

DYLAN THOMAS: Won the Derrinstown Derby Trial (Gp3) at his last start. That race has been a good pointer to Epsom success recently, with both Sinndar and High Chaparral going on to win the Derby. He is not the Ballydoyle pick however, Kieran Fallon choosing to partner Horatio Nelson. Winner of his first two starts at two, Dylan Thomas is a half brother to unbeaten filly Queen's Logic (Grand Lodge).

3 c Danehill – Lagrion, by Diesis

 

HALA BEK: An uncertain starter. The colt made an impressive winning debut at Newbury when beating Dragon Dancer. He has not been seen out and clearly has his problems. He is highly regarded but it remains to be seen if he can overcome his lack of experience at this level. A half brother to the useful performers High Pitched and Imperial Stride, his dam is a half-sister to Count Dubois.

3 c Halling – Place De'L Opera, by Sadler's Wells

 

HORATIO NELSON : Has been well supported following an impressive gallop and looks to be the stable elect. He was disappointing in the 2000 Guineas but is said to have not been ready for the race. A top-class two-year-old, there is not much between him and Sir Percy on the Dewhurst Stakes form. His dam's half-brother Generous won the Derby in 1991 and his sire and broodmare sire have both sired Derby winners.

3 c Danehill – Imagine, by Sadler's Wells

 

LINDA'S LAD: One of two runners for champion trainer Andre Fabre. He was a bit disappointing on his seasonal debut when fourth behind subsequent Italian Derby winner Gentlewave but bounced back to win the Lingfield Derby Trial. He was workmanlike on that occasion and is clearly the stable's second string behind Visindar. His pedigree suggests he will enjoy the extra distance and this Gp1 winner should not be ignored.

3 c Sadler's Wells – Colza, by Alleged

 

 

MOUNTAIN: Bids to give his sire a second consecutive Derby winner following Motivator last year. Ran second to stablemate Dylan Thomas in the recent Derrinstown Derby Trial recently. One of the outsiders, he was previously beaten three lengths in a Gp3 race in Ireland, he has won one of five starts.

3 c Montjeu – Skidmore Girl, by Vaguely Noble

 

NODDIES WAY: Unraced colt who was left in by mistake. He is quoted at 1000-1.

3 c Normadic Way – Sharway Lady, by Shareef Dancer

 

PAPAL BULL: A narrow winner of the Chester Vase last time out. The form of that race doesn't look outstanding however, with two of the four runners yet to win a race. He has won his last three starts and clearly is on the up. He beat the smart Cousteadu when winning his maiden.

3 c Montjeu – Mialuna, by Zafonic

 

SEPTIMUS: An eight length winner of the Dante Stakes last time out. He was a high-class two-year-old, winning the Beresford Stakes (Gp2) and running third in the Racing Post Trophy. He was disappointing when seventh on his seasonal debut in the Prix La Force (Gp3) but improved next time out at York. He looks the Ballydoyle second string to Horatio Nelson.

3 c Sadler's Wells – Caladira, by Darshaan

SIENNA STORM: Ran second in the Predominate Stakes last time out, beaten four lengths by Championship Point. Has won just once in five starts and is a complete outsider.

3 c Peintre Celebre – Saint Ann, by Geiger Counter

 

SIR PERCY: Comes off an excellent second in the English 2000 Guineas but has had an interrupted preparation for the Derby and at one stage was a doubtful starter. It will hard for him to cope with the rigours of Epsom without a perfect prep. He is, however, a top-class colt and shouldn't be written off. Although he is by a miler his female line is quite stout and the trip shouldn't be a problem.

3 c Mark of Esteem – Percy's Lass by Blakeney

 

SIXTIES ICON: Bred for the job, as his sire won the Derby and his dam took the Oaks. Has run just twice, breaking his maiden last time out. He takes a huge step up in class here.

3 c Galileo – Love Divine, by Diesis

 

SNOQUALMIE BOY: Was beaten 19 lengths by Septimus in the Dante Stakes last time out and is hard to fancy on that form. He has won just once in five starts.

3 c Montjeu – Seattle Ribbon, by Seattle Dancer

 

VISINDAR: Unbeaten in three starts, he is bidding to emulate his sire, who won the race in 2000. Was most impressive when landing the Prix Greffulhe (Gp2) last time out. There is plenty of confidence surrounding him, despite the fact he has yet to face a top-class field. Bids to be the first French horse to win the race in 30 years.

3 c Sinndar – Visor, by Mr Prospector

 

SELECTION

1 Horatio Nelson

2 Visindar

3 Septimus