The French Derby flop, Ciro, is one of three Aidan O'Brien-trained horses left in Saturday's Epsom Derby, but Aristotle remains the big hope to revitalise Ballydoyle's classic season.
Rated a 5 to 1 hope by Ladbrokes behind their 3 to 1 favourite, King's Best, Aristotle was described by O'Brien yesterday as being "in very good form and it's so far so good for Epsom".
O'Brien described the twice-raced Shakespeare as a "possible" for Epsom, with the ace Australian rider Damien Oliver in the saddle, but Ciro is very unlikely to bid for Derby compensation.
"It's quite likely we'll bring Ciro back to 10 furlongs," said O'Brien. "The ground got very soft for him in France and he couldn't handle it."
John Oxx's Sinndar remains a 9 to 1 hope for the Derby but there is a doubt about the other Irish entry, Media Puzzle, running. "We'll decide on Tuesday morning," said his trainer Dermot Weld. Media Puzzle is generally quoted at 40 to 1. Yesterday's Derby declaration date was generally free of surprises, except for the defection of the Lingfield Derby Trial winner, Saddler's Quest.
The colt's trainer Ger Butler said yesterday: "Saddler's Quest is lame and misses the race on Saturday. We're all shattered here and I feel very sorry for the owners. The Derby has always been the aim but this isn't a game for lads in short pants."
Butler intends running both Whitefoot and Princess Ellen in Friday's Oaks, but the Ballydoyle hope, Chiang-Mai, is set to bypass the fillies classic. "More than likely she won't run, as she needs very soft ground. But she could go for the Prix de Diane (French Oaks)," said O'Brien.
Godolphin have left four colts in the Derby, with Broche, fifth in the French Derby, joining their principal hope, Best Of The Bests.
Pat Eddery will partner another of Godolphin's entries, Inchlonaig. Eddery's agent Mike Hawkett said: "Pat will ride Inchlonaig in the Derby and Barry Hills' filly Clipper in the Oaks."
Beat Hollow and Wellbeing are set to represent Henry Cecil, who has already won the Derby four times, with Slip Anchor (1985), Reference Point (1987), Commander In Chief (1993) and Oath (1999).
Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan Al Makoum, who has two horses left in, said: "Hataab didn't scope clean last week but he seems to be better now. He'll work in the morning and we'll see how he comes out of that before deciding. And as far as I know all seems well with Sakhee."
Today's fixture at Tralee is possible because of the beginners' chase and the bumper being divided but the ground is certain to be testing even for these hardy jumpers.
The novice chase division has resulted in a couple of likely hot favourites. King Of Kerry hadn't run since February of 1998 when third to Rathbawn Prince at Fairyhouse, and then filled the same position at Listowel. The combination of that form and Barry Geraghty in the saddle makes him stand out.
Gortmore Mews has winning form over hurdles at Leopardstown and ran a decent second to Twin pack at Fairyhouse last time. This looks an easy assignment for Kevin O'Brien's runner.
Star Trooper has a 75 rating on the flat and a fourth on soft ground to Go For Grace at Thurles during the winter to his credit. That might just be good enough for the maiden hurdle; while the Listowel winner, Midas Touch, is selected to touch off Granuale in the handicap hurdle.
Sail Away Sailor, runner-up over hurdles to Katie Fairy at Kilbeggan eight days ago, looks the best option in the first division of the bumper.
