The going is sure to be testing at Tipperary this evening where an all-Flat card kicks off a two-day meeting.

The ground is described as heavy (soft in places) for the seven-race fixture which gets underway at 5.15pm, while there is a mixed card tomorrow evening.

The going is currently soft (heavy in places) on the hurdle track at Tipperary.

Meanwhile the Curragh hosts a potentially highly-informative meeting next Monday with the prospect of Camelot and Parish Hall meeting in the Mooresbridge Stakes.

There is further Group 3 action on the card with fillies going on trial for the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas in the Athasi Stakes.

The going is currently yielding to soft on the round course and soft on the straight course.

Former Classic-placed colt Reply takes a big drop in class at Tipperary this evening as he seeks his first success in 19 months.

Aidan O'Brien's charge was good enough to finish third behind Power in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last year, but his form tailed off since and he was last seen when last in the Golden Shaheen in Dubai last month.

The Ballydoyle handler is evidently looking for a confidence-boosting win and it will be disappointing if he cannot account for his rivals in the Follow Tipperary Races On Facebook Race

O'Brien also sends Line Drummer to the track for the Fundraising Events At Tipperary Races Handicap, and he will be aiming to pick up where he left off after winning a heavy-ground heat over course and distance at the end of last term.

He may lack the edge over recent Limerick scorer Diesel Ten and Caesaria, who backed up his Curragh triumph with a third placing at Naas.

There could be several duels between O'Brien and Dermot Weld on the card, with choicely bred newcomers Freewheel and Resolute Response locking horns in the Events At Tipperary Racecourse Maiden.

Weld's recent Naas victor Pay Day Kitten tackles the O'Brien-trained Kingdom in the Follow TipperaryRaces On Twitter Handicap.

However, Kingdom was put in his place by Jim Bolger's Morning With Ivan when the pair clashed at Leopardstown, and a 5lb pull in the weights may not be enough for him to gain his revenge.

O'Brien sends two for the Book Online At TipperaryRaces.ie Maiden, with newcomer Victory Song joined by Agreement.

Hurricane Sky and Benalex Park both won at Gowran on Sunday and now clash under 5lb penalties in the TipperaryRaces.com Handicap, while The Four Elms is aiming to supplement a Limerick win in the Youth Raceday On 6th June Handicap.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Moth has been added to the field for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at the six-day declaration stage after being supplemented at a cost of £30,000.

Unconsidered for the race at 66/1 before her reappearance victory in a Curragh maiden, that success was evidently enough to see connections decide to throw her into the mix at Newmarket.

Stablemates Magical Dream and Snow Queen have also been left in the contest as possible starters, but it is the Sir Henry Cecil-trained Hot Snap, the winner of the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month, who heads the betting.

Runner-up Sky Lantern and third-home Winning Express are set to re-oppose from that race, while another leading fancy Just The Judge was also in action at the Craven meeting - but only in order to take part in a racecourse gallop.

French-trained possibles What A Name and Celtic Filly are both possible starters among a field of 18.

 

Indian Chief showed an impressive turn of foot to win the opening race at Leopardstown this evening, the Bulmers Live Summer Racedays 2013 3yo Maiden, for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien.

Sent off the 4/7 favourite, the son of Montjeu, had just one run last year finishing second to subsequent French Group 1 winner Loch Garman at Navan.

His debut run was over a mile and stepped up in trip to one and a quarter miles today he was settled in rear as Dubai Deer attempted to make all under Chris Hayes for Paul Deegan.

Indian Chief made smooth progress as they turned for home and once Joseph O’Brien asked him to go on, he quickly went to the front inside the final furlong, going on to score comfortably by two lengths.

Dubai Deer ran a fine race to finish second at 8/1 while so did the Jessica Harrington trained newcomer Protestant, who finished a further length and a half back in third at 25/1 under Fran Berry.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I was afraid as last year he ran into Jim's horse (Loch Garman) and he emptied out.

"For a Montjeu colt he has plenty of speed. They went a steady gallop and he quickened up well. Being dropped in last in a slowly run race you might think it’s not the right place to be but he picked up easily.

"He might be a Dante (Dante Stakes, York May 16th) horse and the fellow who won here yesterday (Battle Of Marengo) might come back here."

The winner is now 20/1 (from 33's) with Stan James for the Derby.

(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)

 

Aidan O'Brien concedes he is "fighting time" in his bid to get Kingsbarns to the Investec Derby.

Already ruled out of the Qipco 2000 Guineas, it is hoped the winter favourite for the premier Classic could still make a Derby trial but the Ballydoyle trainer revealed any prep race would be left as close to the June 1 Epsom showpiece as possible.

O'Brien told At The Races: "We dreamed he could have been a Triple Crown horse this year, but that wasn't to be.

"He was always the horse we were dreaming about but things haven't gone well with him, we hoped to have him at the Curragh (to gallop) a couple of weeks ago, but he didn't make it and we are just struggling a little bit to get him 100 per cent.

"He's in the pool a lot and we are trying to catch up. He's no chance of making the Guineas, anyway.

"You can never be confident (of getting to the Derby) and I'd imagine it (a Derby trial) will be a late one, because it is time we are fighting with him. It (a trial) will probably be as close to the Derby as we can get because we want to give him as much time to get back as we can really.

"It's far from ideal that we got stopped when we did, he was totally stopped for 10 days. We are forcing as much as we can without risking the horse because we always thought he was very special."

 

El Salvador completed a hat-trick this year when making all in the mile and a half Summer Twilight Nights Race to complete a double on the day for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.

Successful on his previous two outings on the polytrack at Dundalk, the Galileo colt coped very well with the much different ground conditions here and dictated matters from the front.

The well-backed evens favourite Voleuse De Coeurs travelled well into the straight but last year’s Cesarewitch winner was unable to make any inroads into the two-length advantage held by the winner.

El Salvador (15/8) stayed on strongly inside the final furlong to record a two and a quarter lengths winning margin, with Chicago another five and a half lengths adrift in third.

The field was reduced to just four runners after Encrypted Message (lame) and Military Bowl (change in ground conditions) were both taken out.

Aidan O’Brien said, “That isn't his ground and he wants it better. There is a big engine in there and I'd say he is a fair horse. He kept picking up and picking up and he'll come back here for the Martin Molony Stakes (on June 21)."

The O’Brien’s earlier initiated their double with 2/7 chance Marchese Marconi in the mile and three furlongs maiden.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

Odds-on punters had their fingers burned twice earlier in the evening but Marchese Marconi, who failed when a 1/5 favourite at Dundalk last week, had few worries in justifying odds of 2/7 in the mile and three furlongs maiden.

Trained in Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by his son Joseph, the Galileo colt was sent to the front off the home turn.

He galloped on strongly in the testing ground to comfortably account for chief market rival Prima Vista (7/2) by four and a quarter lengths, with newcomer Vimkeeping on late to take third another eight lengths adrift.

Aidan O’Brien said, “He was very raw and babyish in Dundalk and the cheek-pieces just helped him to concentrate. He was a long time off before the Dundalk run and the ground might have been an issue - he was staying on to the line then though.”

Joseph O’Brien commented, “He’s a big immature horse who will improve with racing. Hopefully he can progress up through the ranks, and who knows where he’ll wind up. He’s a fine big horse.

“He was a bit lazy and idle last time, and probably a bit green as well. He had the cheek-pieces today and they just helped him to travel.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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Aidan and Joseph O'Brien doubled their tally in the bookings@dundalkstadium.com Handicap when Count Of Limonade put up a good performance to score, adding to the earlier Ballydoyle gains with Master

Speaker.

The betting wasn't much help to punters in the four runner affair as David Wachman's Love And Cherish was the one for money, contracting into 4/5 from 6/4 this morning.

In the face of that support, Count Of Limonade went in the opposite direction, from 5/4 in the offices first thing out to a starting price of 2/1.

Champion Joseph O'Brien kept things simple from the front on the top-weight and he eventually won going away from Love And Cherish, by two and a half lengths.

Aidan O'Brien summed up things by saying: "I'm delighted with that. Those Dukes (sire Duke Of Marmalade) seem to improve from two to three.

"He won twice last year with good tough performances. The Duke was like that himself – a hardy, tough horse.

"He'll step up to a conditions or a listed race and he wouldn't mind going a mile and a quarter."

Fergal Lynch weighed in 1.9 pounds over-weight on the third placed Eusepio and he received a one day ban as it was his second offence of this nature.(GC & EM)

 

 

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Once the penny dropped Ruler Of The Worldshowed a good turn of foot to wear downManalapan in the three-year-old maiden and give Aidan and Joseph O’Brien a double at the Curragh.

The winning distance at the end of a mile and a quarter was a comfortable three parts of a length and Aidan O’Brien thinks he could be a horse with a future: “I’m delighted with that horse. He had a few little setbacks and that’s why he didn’t run at two.

“He’s lazy and he just does what he has to. We’ll step him up gradually. He’ll go for a conditions race next and we’ll go gently with him.

“He’s a lovely horse, a sleepy horse and there could be anything in there.”

Manalapan had forged on for home and only got caught close to the home. He was returned at 25/1 and was seven and a half lengths clear of St Jean in third also at 25/1.

Hudson’s Bay was the uneasy even money favourite (8/15 in morning trading). He had been fractious in the parade ring and reluctant to load and finished fourth.

There was an on course gamble on John Oxx’s unraced Jumaira Tower – 16/1 to 6/1. However, he was never dangerous in eighth.

Aidan and Joseph O'Brien had a Curragh double with Moth and Ruler Of The World.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Moth propelled herself into the Classic picture when running out an impressive winner of the fillies maiden at the Curragh this afternoon.

Joseph O'Brien settled the Galileo filly behind the leaders in the early stages before pulling wide for a run over a furlong out.

The 11/8 favourite quickened smartly to hit the front inside the final furlong and went away in the closing stages to post a four-and-a-half length winning margin.

The winner had been beaten favourite on two starts last term. She could now be supplemented for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“She did it well. We thought she was nice last year but she got beat a few times,” said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.

“Obviously I was giving the wrong instructions and instead of making use of her she should have been held up.

“She's able to change gears. It was a slow run race and she came from behind which I imagine wouldn't have suited. She quickened up well.

“She could go for a trial or head straight to Newmarket for the Guineas. It depends on what happens.”

Moth has been introduced at 16/1 for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket by Stan James.

O'Brien also reported his colts on course for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“The wheels are still on! Mars is still going that way and I'm very happy with Cristoforo Colombo. We also have George Vancouver and Pedro The Great and they are all still standing so far.”

 

Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician is set to sidestep Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom, according to owners Coolmore Stud.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien raised the possibility of the Galileo colt bidding for a quickfire Classic double when leaving his Curragh hero in the Derby field at Monday's five-day stage.

However, with Coolmore having a further five runners in the mile-and-a-half contest, including long-time leading fancy Battle Of Marengo, Dee Stakes winner Magician is set to be saved for another day.

Coolmore tweeted: "At the moment Ballydoyle has 5 intended Epsom Derby runners (Battle Of Marengo, Festive Cheer, Flying The Flag, Ruler Of The World & Mars).

"It's possible this could change depending on how the horses are in the morning prior to declaration."

Aidan O'Brien saddles two runners in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday, with son Joseph partnering 1000 Guineas third Moth in preference to runaway Cork maiden scorer Say (Seamie Heffernan).

O'Brien's Snow Queen was the only withdrawal from the confirmation stage. The Ballydoyle handler has saddled four previous Oaks winners, including last year's heroine Was.

Ante-post favourite Secret Gesture features among 11 fillies declared for a superb renewal of the Classic.

The daughter of Galileo shot to prominence for the mile-and-a-half feature with a devastating display in the Lingfield Oaks Trial and will bid to give trainer Ralph Beckett his second win in the race, following Look Here's triumph in five years ago.

Secret Gesture will carry the colours of Qatar Racing for the first time after Sheikh Fahad snapped up a half-share earlier this week, but Jim Crowley keeps the ride.

Beckett has an interesting second string to his bow in Pretty Polly winner Talent, the mount of Richard Hughes.

Hughie Morrison runs Cheshire Oaks winner Banoffee, supplemented at a cost of £30,000, while Sir Michael Stoute's Liber Nauticus was towards the head of the betting even before enhancing her claims with victory in the Musidora Stakes.

Michael Bell runs Madame Defarge and The Lark, with the field completed by Gertrude Versed, Roz and Miss You Too.

King Of the Romans is undoubtedly one of the lesser lights in Ballydoyle but, at the start of a big week for the yard, he got off the mark at the ninth time of asking at Ballinrobe in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.

The son of Holy Roman Emperor was sent straight to the front on leaving the stalls by Joseph O’Brien in this nine-furlong event but was headed around halfway byMadam Mo.

However the champion jockey got a great run up the inner entering the short straight to take it up again, and the 100/30 chance soon settled the issue to beat the staying on newcomer Modista (16/1) by three and three quarter lengths.

The frustrating Cocktail Hour (5/2) held every chance approaching the straight but was again found wanting in third, with 9/4 favourite Madam Mo also weakening to finish fourth.

Joseph O’Brien said afterwards, “I’m happy enough with that. He’d run well before and he was probably just coming up against better horses in those auction maidens.”

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

Dawn Approach will face a maximum of 14 opponents in Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom after German raider Chopin was supplemented today.

Jim Bolger's unbeaten Qipco 2000 Guineas winner has stamina questions to answer on the Downs having never run over further than a mile, and even his effervescent trainer has admitted there is no guarantee he will stay a mile and a half.

However, he is a very short-priced favourite to add another Classic to his record.

He could at least face one surprise rival in the shape of Aidan O'Brien's Magician, an easy winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Saturday, while German contender Chopin has been supplemented at a cost of £75,000 by Andreas Wohler.

O'Brien can also call on Derrinstown Trial winner Battle Of Marengo, Newmarket Guineas sixth Mars, unbeaten Chester Vase winner Ruler Of The World, Flying The Flag and Festive Cheer.

Andrew Oliver's First Cornerstone, who ran a pleasing race when fifth in the Irish Guineas on what was his seasonal reappearance, is another possible for Ireland along with David Wachman's Galileo Rock.

Andre Fabre took the spoils two years ago with Pour Moi and has followed a similar route to Epsom with Ocovango.

York's Dante Stakes is usually seen as the best trial in Britain and Elaine Burke's Libertarian won that in good style, beating Trading Leather, who has also been left in by Bolger.

James Tate's Mirsaale and the John Ryan-trained Ocean Applause complete the confirmations.

The progressive Leading Light toughed it out well from the front to justify odds of 4/6 in the Group 3 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes under Joseph O'Brien at the Curragh.

The win, bringing up a double for Ballydoyle after Sir John Hawkins' victory in the first, looked like it mightn't be achieved for a stride or two as Little White Cloud andCount Of Limonade tried their cases from the quarter mile pole.

However, despite left off the rail inside the last, the victorious Montjeu colt was well on top at the finish, prevailing by two and a quarter lengths.

Aidan O'Brien said: "He's a lazy horse. He doesn't mind going along in front and there's always plenty there when you want it.

"He has plenty of pace and he's able to get a position. He's a very straight-forward Montjeu – he can get a position early, travel along and he can be tough at the end.

"He's lazy that's why he wears the cheek-pieces. It helps him from being too lazy early on.

"He's a possible for Ascot or the Irish Derby. He wouldn't mind ten furlongs, a mile and a half or even two miles – I don't think it matters to him." (GC & EM)

Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Magician is to be left in the Investec Derby at the confirmation stage on Monday.

Previously impressive in winning the Dee Stakes at Chester over 10 furlongs, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt dropped back to a mile on Saturday and ran out a stunning winner of the Curragh Classic.

Afterwards, Coolmore supremo John Magnier suggested - by his own admission "tongue in cheek" - that he could go for the Derby, while conceding that Royal Ascot and the St James's Palace Stakes would be the more obvious route.

However speaking at the Curragh on Sunday, O'Brien said: "He pulled out fine from the race and he'll be left in the Derby tomorrow.

"The lads haven't made a decision yet. They'll get all the information about how he is and then make a decision. It's definitely possible.

"It (a mile and a half) would be a bit of a concern with what he did yesterday as he showed so much speed, but he got a mile and a quarter easily at Chester and he has a relaxed way of galloping."

Of the remainder of his Investec Derby squad, O'Brien added: "They'll all be left in but I'm not sure about Nevis."

Sir John Hawkins lacks nothing on pedigree and despite a little market unease the juvenile made a most pleasing debut when landing the Big Bad Bob European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden at the Curragh.

The mating of Henrythenavigator and Peeping Fawn was a match made in heaven and with his tongue lolling out, their son, Sir John Hawkins did them proud when travelling well throughout before prevailing in the six furlong opener under Joseph O'Brien.

When asked for his effort from over a furlong out, Sir John Hawkins quickened well inside the last to eventually see off the fancied pair, Intensified (the second favourite) and the front-runner, Sudirman (10s this morning into 11/2) by three parts of a length and a head.

Aidan O'Brien, the winning trainer, said: "You'd have to be delighted with that. I was afraid he might be a bit babyish but he got a lovely lead and loves the fast ground.

"What can I say – he is by Henry out of Peeping Fawn – all I can do is destroy him after that!

"He'll have learned plenty from that. Whether Royal Ascot would come too quick I'm not sure.

"He has loads of speed. He was a bit green today but he'll learn more by being up there." (GC & EM)

Aidan O'Brien has admitted Frankie Dettori is in the frame to ride for the stable this season.

The jockey is hoping to get clearance early next week from the French authorities to return to race-riding after his six-month worldwide ban and he has ridden work at Ballydoyle this spring.

Asked at the Curragh today if he would like to use Dettori this season, O'Brien said: "Absolutely, Frankie has always been a great rider, he still is and always will be."

O'Brien added that he hoped to finalise his Derby riding plans in the middle of the week.

He said: "We have a great team of riders and hopefully we will get the team sorted in middle of the week."

Coach House put in a taking performance in the Listed Marble Hill at the Curragh when beating Club Wexford by a length and three parts.

Abbakova showed speed in this small but select field as she blazed a trail in the five furlong contest. However, at the furlong pole she was grabbed by Club Wexford and Coach House.

Joseph O’Brien asked Coach House to go on and the 4/6 favourite readily bounded away to put daylight between himself and Club Wexford (7/2).

Abbakova kept on for third at 16/1 under Pat Smullen, having been 33/1 in the morning.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “We thought he was a nice horse. He won nicely last time. He’s a lovely two-year-old. He has speed enough for five so he has all the options at Royal Ascot.

“Joseph said he showed lots of speed and that he even got there a bit early on him. He’ll maybe get six or seven furlongs in time.”

Owner John Magnier added: “Maybe the five furlong Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot would be a race for him.”

Aidan O’Brien’s Stubbs was also due to contest this race, but was pulled out earlier today due to a stone bruise. This caused a shake-up in the market, but Coach House was still nicely backed down to 4/6.

Coach House improved O’Brien’s record in this race to nine wins from the last 15 renewals.

On his 2,000 Guineas favourite Magician, who runs at 3.20pm, Aidan O’Brien said: “He is in good form. He’s a good moving horse. A mile and a quarter on a sharp track at Chester would be equivalent to a mile here.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Bye Bye Birdie was nailed on the line by newcomer Glassatura (33/1) in the six furlong juvenile fillies maiden that got 2,000 Guineas day under way at the Curragh.

Glassatura was switched out to the centre of the track and sprouted wings in the final furlong under Shane Foley to wear down the 1/2 favourite who led throughout on the rail.

Joseph O’Brien on Bye Bye Birdie jumped out smartly from stall 12 and grabbed the stands-side rail in taking the field along.

A furlong and a half out he asked for more and it looked like the daughter of Oasis Dream would improve on her runner-up finish first-time out at Naas.

However, despite hitting 1/50 in-running, she couldn’t hold off Glassatura who was trapped behind horses before being switched out to deliver her challenge.

“She’s a very smart filly. She showed her class when she got out. She appreciated the six furlongs and she’ll improve a lot,” Shane Foley commented.

Trainer Michael Halford said: “She has shown us plenty form the start at home. We do like her and she could go on to better things. She got the trip well. She might go up in trip not back.

“We’ll step her up into a Listed race at Naas [3rd June]. We wanted to get a nice introduction into her and she did well to win from where she was.

“Shane said she was keen going to the start so he dropped her in and she was probably further back than he wanted to be.

“She accelerated well when she got into the clear. I expect her to come on from the run.”

Glassatura won by a neck from Bye Bye Birdie with Tap Dancing (13/2) a further three parts of a length away in third for David Wachman and Wayne Lordan.

The winner paid almost 67/1 on the Tote.

Patty Paige was withdrawn not under orders, after becoming restless in the stalls.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Starspangledbanner is set to stand at Rosemont Stud in Australia after being retired from racing for the second time.

The seven-year-old was a Group One performer in Australia before being purchased by the Coolmore team and switched to the care of Aidan O'Brien in 2010.

He won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot that year as well as the July Cup before eventually being retired that autumn.

However, he returned to training last season after suffering fertility problems but failed to recapture his best in six starts, most recently finishing well down the field in Dubai.

Despite Starspangledbanner's previous problems, Rosemont principal Anthony Mithen is optimistic about his chances of a successful career at stud following the resurgence of another stallion, Foreplay, who also suffered fertility issues.

He said: "We will be trying some new fertility techniques that weren't available when Star last stood at stud. He is a little older and more mature and we take some real heart from the job that was done on Foreplay.

"Our bloodstock manager Dean Harvey oversaw the transformation of Foreplay from a sub-fertile stallion to a real commercial option, now batting at close to 80% fertility. Stem cell treatment really helped and from what we understand, Starspangledbanner and Foreplay's areas of concern are very similar," he told www.rosemontstud.com.au.

Starspangledbanner will serve a limited number of mares and his fee has yet to be decided.

Frankie Dettori still hopes to be able to ride at next week's Investec Derby meeting after making some progress towards having his licence reinstated.

The 42-year-old rider had planned to be back in action this week after serving a six-month ban handed out by France Galop after he tested positive for cocaine at Longchamp last September.

However, a "private matter" between Dettori and the Medical Committee of France Galop has so far prevented the French regulator from clearing the jockey to return, with the British Horseracing Authority reciprocating that stance.

Dettori has been in France for the last two days trying to iron out the problem with France Galop and his solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore believes progress has been made.

He told Press Association Sport: "The latest position is that Frankie Dettori has been in France for the last two days at France Galop.

"The matter has moved forward and we are expecting a positive result.

"We are hopeful that the glitch has been ironed out so that he can get his English licence in time to ride in the Derby."

BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey confirmed they are still awaiting the relevant information from France Galop and there has been no change in the position of racing's rulers.

Champion Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien will rely upon Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Battle Of Marengo and Mars as he bids to win the Investec Derby for a fourth time.

The Ballydoyle handler said his son, Joseph, was "short enough odds" to ride Battle Of Marengo in the Derby, and confirmed only 2000 Guineas sixth Mars alongside him, with plans to be made for the rest.

O'Brien explained that plans for his Derby team had yet to be made final. "It's all a little bit up in the air at the moment, but they are all in good shape so far," he said.

"Obviously Battle Of Marengo was always going to stay home for the two trials and the other horses were going to go for the trials elsewhere.

"We said after Newmarket that Mars would go for the Derby and he probably will end up going there as well. Obviously we have Ruler Of The World and Magician, and there are a few other options apart from that.

"We'll probably get towards the end of the week when they are doing their work, but they've all been together and done their half-speeds

"Joseph has always ridden Battle Of Marengo, I think he's probably short enough odds to ride him. Mars will go if everything else goes well with him between now and then. Whatever else goes, we're not 100% sure."

Although jockey bookings have yet to be firmed up, O'Brien expects that to be a straight forward issue once running plans have been confirmed.

"Obviously there's Seamie (Heffernan) and Colm (O'Donoghue) and Ryan (Moore) has also ridden for us. I don't think that's going to be a problem. All those things usually fall into place."

Aidan O'Brien has declared a team of four as he goes for a ninth triumph in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.

A field of 10 is set to line up for the colts' Classic, with the Ballydoyle trainer responsible for ante-post favourite Magician, Flying The Flag, George Vancouver and Gale Force Ten.

Johnny Murtagh was aboard three of the eight O'Brien winners and he aims to get his training career off to a flying start when he saddles Ask Dad and Fort Knox in the one-mile showpiece.

This race has so far eluded trainer Jim Bolger and the Coolcullen handler tries this time with Trading Leather, having removed his four other possibles.

First Cornerstone, trained in Northern Ireland by Andy Oliver, is set to make his seasonal debut in the Classic after a slight setback forced him to miss the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.

Richard Hannon has successfully plundered the Irish 2,000 Guineas three times and the Herridge handler sends a powerful duo in the shape of Van Der Neer, third in the Newmarket equivalent, and Havana Gold, who was fifth in the French version.

Last year's dual Derby hero Camelot tops five Aidan O'Brien-trained possibles for Sunday's Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

The four-year-old, who also won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last season, was struck down by colic after his run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe but reappeared this season with a straightforward win in the Mooresbridge Stakes.

Also in the mix for the Ballydoyle team is last year's Oaks winner Was along with El Salvador, Windsor Palace and Ernest Hemingway.

Al Kazeem has been given the green light to travel over by his trainer Roger Charlton after a good piece of work on Monday.

Dermot Weld's Ribblesdale winner Princess Highway could still run, despite disappointing in the Blue Wind Stakes last week.

David Wachman's Aloof and Joanna Morgan's Negotiate are the other possibles.

Last year's Oaks winner Was could make her seasonal return in the Group Three Abu Dhabi Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

Aidan O'Brien's charge failed to win again in four starts after her Epsom victory, although she twice finished third in Group One company.

She is the only Ballydoyle entry in the race, in which David Wachman has the choice of Aloof and Precious Stone, both of which are also owned by the Coolmore team.

Sir Henry Cecil's Dahlia Stakes second Chigun and the Roger Charlton-trained third Thistle Bird could clash again while William Haggas' Sentaril is the other British-trained contender.

The well-regarded Caponata has been entered by Dermot Weld while Ger Lyons' Lily's Angel has already won at Listed and Group Three level this term.

Lady Wingshot, La Collina, Romantic Stroll and Sindjara complete the list of 11 possibles.

The Guineas Spring Racing Festival gets under way at the Curragh next Saturday when the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas is the highlight of an eight race card. There are a total of 19 entries for the Group One Classic, including the Johnny Murtagh trained and ridden Fort Knox and eight from the powerful Aidan O’Brien yard.

Murtagh only received his licence to train from the Turf Club last Friday and the Co Meath-born man is really looking forward to Saturday. “I got the licence on Friday and it’s all systems go,” commented Murtagh today. “Fort Knox is a decent colt and will appreciate a decent bit of ground. We could not be happier with him and he is ready to put up a big showing. We supplemented Ask Dad for the race and he is likely to take his chance too.”

Trainer Richard Hannon has left three in the race, including Newmarket 2000 Guineas third Van Der Neer, along with Olympic Glory (who got no run in the French 2000 Guineas from a bad draw) and Havana Gold. Cristoforo Colombo, Mars and George Vancouver, fifth, sixth and 10th respectively behind Dawn Approach at Newmarket, are the three main Aidan O’Brien hopes, but he also has Flying The Flag, Forester, Magician, Pedro The Great and French 2000 Guineas fourth Gale Force Ten to rely on. Meanwhile, trainer Andy Oliver has also committed First Cornerstone to the race.

Jim Bolger has left four in the race, but the Co Carlow-based trainer is likely to plump for Loch Garman following that horse’s second placing behind Battle Of Marengo at Leopardstown just over a week ago. “He has come out of the Leopardstown race and the plan is to run him in Saturday’s race,” commented Bolger.

Bookmaker Paddy Power have installed Cristoforo Colombo as there 3/1 favourite for the Tattersalls-sponsored race. They then go 100/30 Olympic Glory, 5/1 Van Der Neer, 7/1 Fort Knox, 8/1 Gale Force Ten, Loch Garman, Mars and Trading Leather, 12 George Vancouver, Magician and Havana Gold, 14/1 Pedro The Great, 16/1 Leitir Mor, 20/1 Bar.

The Group Three Abu Dhabi Stakes has attracted 12 quality entries and will be one of the races of the weekend. Dermot Weld, who won this race 12 months ago with Emulous, will rely on Caponata this time around, while Kempton Listed winner Lily’s Angel is also primed to run along with Precious Stone, Sindjara, Was, La Colina and Aloof. There are three British-trained entries in Chigun, Sentaril and Thistle Bird.

Gordon Lord Byron, Maarek, Jimmy Styles, Cape Of Approval, Hitchens, Slade Power and Gale Force Ten are among 20 entries for the Group Three Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes, while there are 11 entries for the Listed Cold Move EBF Marble Hill Stakes.

1st race 1.45pm

Admission 20 euro, Seniors and Under 25s 10 euro, Under 16s Free. Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to racecourse. Dublin Coach service from Dublin to Curragh – see dublincoach.ie for details

Entries for Sunday will be published at 12 noon tomorrow. The eight race programme will feature the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas, Tattersalls Gold Cup and President of the UAE Cup, while it is also Ladies Day with spectacular prizes for the Most Stylish Ladies and Men judged by Norah Casey and Aoibhin Garrihy of Fair City fame. Other attractions over both days include a Boutique Shopping and Food Village, Pamper Clinic for ladies with Shades & Shapes and display of the Etihad Formula One Ferrari Car.

Aidan O'Brien's Declaration Of War, a midweek gamble for the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, heads a field of 13 for the first Group One of the season for older horses.

The former Jean-Claude Rouget-trained colt was available at 7-2 on Monday but sustained support now has him as the clear favourite around the 7-4 mark.

O'Brien also runs Reply.

Saeed bin Suroor's Farhh, second in four Group Ones last season, twice behind Frankel, makes his eagerly-awaited reappearance in a race his trainer has won four times.

Roger Charlton's Cityscape avoided Frankel last season as he was in the same Khalid Abdullah ownership but he suffered his own near-misses behind Excelebration.

This year he is likely to stay at home rather than travelling around Europe.

John Gosden supplemented Fencing after an impressive display at Ascot on his first run as a gelding.

Beauty Parlour is an intriguing runner for Sir Henry Cecil.

Last year's French 1000 Guineas winner and Oaks runner-up has only had one prior run for Cecil when she disappointed in the Sun Chariot Stakes.

Roger Varian has always highly rated Aljamaaheer but so far he was been found wanting when upped in class.

Richard Hannon won the race in 2010 and 2011 with Paco Boy and Canford Cliffs respectively but his representative this year, Trumpet Major, will need a career-best here.

Hannon also runs Libranno, the mount of Kieren Fallon.

Connections of David O'Meara's Penitent, last seen in Hong Kong at Sha Tin, will be hoping for rain.

Chil The Kite, Sovereign Debt and German raider Amaron complete the field.

Aidan O’Brien won this race, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, in 2007 with subsequent four time Group 1 winner Peeping Fawn and the Ballydoyle maestro could have another Group 1 winner on his hands as Hanky Panky showed an impressive turn of foot to get off the mark on the fifth time of asking.

The daughter of Galileo is a half-sister to the mighty Giant’s Causeway and it has been well publicised that she needs a sound surface to be seen at her best.

She disappointed in the past on soft and heavy ground but on yielding to soft this evening she quickened up well to hit the front a furlong out, going on to score by a length and a quarter at the line.

The Kevin Prendergast trained Nabat Sultan (12/1) travelled strongly two furlongs from home but she couldn't match Hanky Panky and had to settle for second.

Sharp Crisp Air, who was backed from 7/2 to 5/2 on-course, finished three and three parts of a length back in third under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards; "She relaxed well and she quickened up nicely. She is a nice filly but she needs good ground and that’s the best she’s had for a while even though it’s quite dead.

"The hood relaxed her a bit. She has been unlucky and we thought she’d win her maiden on slow ground even though she wants it better. A couple of things didn’t go right for her."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

St Nicholas Abbey is on course to attempt to become the first horse to win the Investec Coronation Cup three times.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained six-year-old heads the 12 entries for the mile-and-a-half Group One at Epsom on June 1st following the latest scratchings deadline.

St Nicholas Abbey, who beat Midday in 2011 and swept to victory from Red Cadeaux last year, took his Group One tally to five when lifting the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March.

O'Brien has a strong back-up squad in Chamonix, El Salvador, Ernest Hemingway and Imperial Monarch.

Connections of Dandino will look at this race for the Group Two winner, whose main target in 2013 is the Melbourne Cup.

The six-year-old, fourth in this race in 2011, shaped with promise on his first run for trainer Marco Botti when runner-up in the Qipco Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.

"We are considering the Coronation Cup for Dandino. The owners have told me to leave him in the race and we will just monitor the ground because he is a fast-ground horse," said Botti.

"The long-term plan is the Melbourne Cup and, although it would be good to win the Coronation Cup, we have to be mindful of his handicap mark for Australia.

"If the race cut up and the ground is fine we might just have a look because the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, which is also an option, can be just a tough as a Group One now it has no penalties."

International interest is provided by 2011 Melbourne Cup victor Dunaden, trained in France by Mikel Delzangles, and Very Nice Name, who has been left in by Qatari-based Alban de Mieulle and was last seen when third behind St Nicholas Abbey at Meydan.

The list of possibles is completed by 2012 Derby second Main Sequence, Chapter Seven, Joshua Tree and Sir Graham Wade.

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It looked only a matter of time before Marchese Marconi swallowed up frontrunner Baltiman in the finale at Killarney and so it proved as Joseph O’Brien pressed the button in the home straight and away the pair went went.

The top weight coasted home by six lengths to justify 4/6 favouritism in the one mile six race. Nouveau Moulin (5/1) hung right in the home straight, but the six-year-old mare ran a creditable race to come in second on her first outing on the ‘flat’ after running in bumpers.

Aidan O’Brien trains the four-year-old son of Galileo for his wife Anne-Marie. His son Joseph commented after dismounting: “He did what he was entitled to do and he stays well. He won a middling race nicely and I’m hoping he’ll handle nice ground.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

Aidan O'Brien's Indian Chief heads a field of eight for the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.

O'Brien has carried all before him recently on the Derby trials front and his latest candidate was impressive in winning a Leopardstown maiden last month.

In the shock absence of Telescope, the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing operation rely solely on the Luca Cumani-trained Greatwood, who missed the Lingfield Derby Trial on Saturday due to rain-softened ground.

Kieren Falllon would not have been able to ride at the weekend due to suspension but is back in action on the Knavesmire.

Saeed bin Suroor seeks a third Dante success with Secret Number, who lost his unbeaten record when third to O'Brien's Lines Of Battle in the UAE Derby. He will be ridden by Silvestre de Sousa.

Mark Johnston's Windhoek (Joe Fanning) has already run twice this season, picking up a valuable sales prize at Newmarket - where he edged Greatwood - and following up back on the Rowley Mile in a Listed event.

Ghurair for John Gosden further represents that sales race at Newmarket as he was third that day, while Jim Bolger runs an interesting contender in Trading Leather, last seen finishing fifth in the Racing Post Trophy to Kingsbarns.

David Elsworth's Dashing Star and the Elaine Burke-trained Libertarian complete the line-up.

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Battle Of Marengo underlined his Epsom Derby credentials as he eased to victory in the feature race at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph (double on the day for them), the son of Galileo was completing a five timer today as he went off the 2/13 favourite (was 1/3 this morning and opened at 1/5 on-course).

Having settled in second behind Dont Bother Me he took over in front four furlongs out. He was ridden a furlong from home and he kept on strongly in the final furlong to come home a comfortable length and three parts in front of Loch Garman (9/2) in second for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "That all went to plan. We had to go on with him or it would have been a very steady pace.

"He has just ticked over since the last day. You would have to be happy with him. He is lazy in front but he gave a good blow afterwards.

"He loves fast ground as he is a great mover.

"The three owners will decide where he goes next. It’s going to be an interesting Dante now (Dante Stakes at York on May 16th, Indian Chief the likely O’Brien runner).

Boylesports shortened Dawn Approach for the Derby after the win to 6/4 from 7/4. They also shortened Battle Of Marengo from 5/1 to 4/1.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

Nevis (4/9f) made light work of his rivals following the late withdrawal of Greatwood ahead of the Lingfield Derby trial.

With the ground officially changed to soft, the decision to withdraw the likely market leader was made but Aidan O'Brien's colt wasn't aware of the circumstances and he duly slammed his three rivals by an easy nine lengths.

Elidor plugged to be a remote second with Pasaka third.

Kevin Buckley, Coolmore's UK representative, said of the winner: "The ground changing wasn't ideal, but he had travelled a long way and there was no point not running.

"He handled it OK, and he won decisively.

"It will be up to Aidan what he does once he has seen the rest of the trials."

Luca Cumani said of Greatwood: "We didn't run because of the ground and he will either go for the Dante and then the Derby, or the old Predominate at Goodwood then miss the Derby and go to Royal Ascot."

Sky Bet cut the winnner into 25/1 from 40/1 for the Investec Derby.

Sky Bet's Richard Horner said: "After the defection of Greatwood, Nevis was left with little to beat but he did it will and may well be one of the Ballydoyle battalion heading to Epsom to take on Dawn Approach. However, he's unlikely to be the first string if Battle of Marengo does his stuff tomorrow and a place may be his best hope."

Magician ran out an easy winner at Chester to land back-to-back renewals of the BetVictor.com Dee Stakes for Aidan O'Brien.

In what was almost an action replay of yesterday's Chester Vase victory, Ryan Moore settled his colt in a close second before quickening on the home turn to put the race to bed in a matter of strides.

Moore brought Magician towards the stands' side rail in the straight in search of the better ground and the Galileo colt stretched clear in good style to earn a quote of 16/1 from 40s for the Investec Derby from Sky Bet.

The 13/8 favourite pulled four lengths clear of Contributer who cut through the field from last place to give chase.

He never looked capable of matching the winner although he did readily account for the remainder.

O'Brien's charge was a disappointing last in a Group Three on his final start of 2012 but Moore was impressed with the manner of his victory on his seasonal reappearance.

"He's a very nice horse. He felt relaxed going round there and when you asked he really quickened very well. He's got plenty of pace. They are different types (Ruler Of The World and Magician), but both are good ones."

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Jockey Joseph O'Brien is hoping the rain stays away from Leopardstown to allow Battle Of Marengo to show his full potential in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial on Sunday.

The Galileo colt moved to the top of Ballydoyle's Derby pecking order with a most impressive performance in the Ballysax Stakes on his seasonal return.

He now follows a tried-and-tested route by aiming to follow up in the Derrinstown, a race Aidan O'Brien has won nine times, including with subsequent Epsom Derby heroes Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002).

Battle Of Marengo is currently second in the Epsom betting, behind Jim Bolger's 2000 Guineas victor Dawn Approach, and although he has shown an ability to handle testing ground, O'Brien jnr feels Ballydoyle's inmate will be even more potent on a sound surface.

He said: "I'd be hoping the rain stays away as, although he has run very well on heavy ground, he is definitely a better horse on better ground.

"One of his best performances was when he won in Leopardstown last year on good ground. The saddle slipped that day and he still broke the track record.

"I'd love to get him on a bit of nicer ground again and, hopefully, he'll get that on Sunday. He was good in the Ballysax, it was his first run of the year and hopefully he'll have come on for that.

"This isn't the be all and end all, it's his second run, and hopefully he'll come on again. I think it looks a better Derrinstown than it has for the last couple of seasons - hopefully we get some nice ground."

Just five runners go to post and the chief opponent to Battle Of Marengo appears to be the Bolger-trained Loch Garman.

The son of Teofilo did not make his debut until winning at Navan last October, the form of which has worked out well, and he was turned out just a week later to land the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.

While he makes his reappearance over a mile and a quarter, Bolger is considering dropping his charge in trip after this weekend for a tilt at the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Bolger said: "All is good with him and he doesn't mind about the ground. He's a horse with plenty of toe and he could come back (in trip) for the Irish 2,000 Guineas. He's in the Irish Derby later on."

Andrew Oliver expects First Cornerstone to benefit from his first outing since he finished fourth to the O'Brien-trained Kingsbarns in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October.

"He has developed physically and we are very happy with him," the County Tyrone trainer told At The Races.

"We had a hold-up with our gallops earlier in the year so all of my horses were quite behind and are taking a run anyway. Having said that I'm fairly happy with his preparation but I expect him to come on for the run.

"We hope he is well equipped with both speed and stamina to deal with stepping up in trip and being able to travel well and quicken."

The quintet is completed by Dont Bother Me, who makes a swift return for Niall Moran having finished eighth in the 2000 Guineas, and John Oxx's Dundalk maiden winner Little White Cloud.

The well-regarded Mars is one of four Aidan O'Brien runners still in contention for next week's Betfred Dante Stakes at York.

Sent off at long odds-on when readily winning a Dundalk maiden on his sole start at two, he was asked to contest the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on his next outing and was far from disgraced in the circumstances.

He could attempt to build on that over a more suitable trip on the Knavesmire although O'Brien does have other options.

Battle Of Marengo still holds an entry but has been declared to run at Leopardstown on Sunday leaving Indian Chief and Festive Cheer as other possible runners.

Sir Michael Stoute is set to give a seasonal reappearance to Telescope, a general second favourite for the Investec Derby, who has been the subject of positive reports this spring.

Greatwood is another entry set to be in action this weekend but the progressive Windhoek could be seen at York along with stablemate Maputo and Godolphin's Secret Number.

The entries are completed by Contributer, Dashing Star, Ghurair, Libertarian and Jim Bolger's pair Loch Garman and Trading Leather.

The ground has eased at Leopardstown ahead of Sunday's meeting which is set to feature the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.

The going had been firm this week but after 4mm of rain overnight the description is now good to yielding, yielding in places.

The Derby Trial is set to feature a clash between Ballysax winner Battle Of Marengo and unbeaten Group 1 Criterium winner Loch Garman.

There is also the 1,000 Guineas Trial on the card and the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes.

It's good at Punchestown for the jumps card tomorrow.

Killarney race on Sunday and the going there is now soft, yielding in places.

The forecast is for a mainly dry day today with showers tonight, tomorrow and on Sunday.

There are now no good to firms places at Downpatrick for this evening's card with the description now good all around following overnight rain.

Memphis Tennessee bids to become the first horse since St Expedit in 2001 and 2002 to land back-to-back victories in the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes when he lines up at Chester on Friday.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained five-year-old duly justified favouritism 12 months ago only to disappoint on his only start last season, when he was tailed off in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

His main stumbling block is expected to be Mount Athos, who has his first run back in Britain since taking in the Melbourne Cup and Japan Cup at the end of last year.

His trainer Luca Cumani is praying the ground stays on the quick side for the Dr Marwan Koukash-owned six-year-old.

"Mount Athos is in very good form. I just hope the rain stays away because he likes a fast surface," said Cumani. "If he gets a fast surface I'm sure he will run a good race."

Communicator has finished first and second in two starts on the Roodee and his trainer Andrew Balding believes that is an advantage as the five-year-old tries his hand in Group Three company.

"He likes the track and has run very well there twice in the past," said the Kingsclere handler. "He's got a fair bit to find to trouble the two principals (Memphis Tennessee and Mount Athos), but he's in good form and because he likes the track he does have place prospects at least."

Mad Moose had refused to race on his last two starts over fences but he was a revelation on his belated Flat debut at Doncaster.

Jumping kindly out of the stalls the nine-year-old, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, had far too much toe for his younger rivals as he sprang a 28-1 surprise in a mile-and-a-half maiden.

"He was due a performance as he hadn't started in his last two runs so we were getting a bit frustrated with him," said Nick Bradley bloodstock manager to owners Middleham Park Racing.

"Nigel was sure he would jump out of the stalls and he did. Nigel said there was no horse at home that could go with him, but we never expected him to win.

"We put him in this in the hope that it would be a small field, which it is. We're not sure how we will ride him, but it will certainly be a sight - Mad Moose running around Chester. We will try to come up with a plan to nick a bit of prize money.

"We've put Danny (Tudhope) on board, it's the first time he's ridden for Nigel as his son Willy was unavailable. Danny's a good jockey and he will think about the ride, about trying to win some prize money and getting a few off the bridle turning in."

Ruler Of The World ran out a facile winner to secure the MBNA Chester Vase for Aidan O'Brien for the fourth time in seven years.

The Curragh maiden winner was fitted with cheekpieces for this second racecourse outing as he stepped up to Group Three company but showed no unwelcome traits en route to a straightforward success.

Settled in a close second by Ryan Moore, he tracked leader Mister Impatience until the quartet started turning for home when the Galileo colt was asked to go and win his race.

He settled the issue in a matter of strides with a six length winning margin scant reflection of his superiority.

Mister Impatience held on for second with Havana Beat and Feel Like Dancing occupying the last two places throughout the 12 furlong contest.

The winner was cut to 10/1 from 20s by Sky Bet to follow up in the Investec Derby at Epsom next month.

Moore said: "He did it nicely. The race worked out well for him as he got a nice lead. He's still a bit green running round here, but once I grabbed hold of him he lengthened really well. He'll learn a lot. Going round here will have done him good."

Aidan O'Brien gives Nevis the chance to prove his Classic credentials when the colt makes his seasonal reappearance in the Betfred Derby Trial at Lingfield on Saturday.

Nevis holds a host of big-race entries, including the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Investec Derby.

However, he is on a retrieval mission after finishing sixth behind 2000 Guineas hero Dawn Approach in the Vincent O'Brien Stakes on his final start last term.

He faces just four rivals headed by the Luca Cumani-trained Greatwood, who made a promising seasonal debut when short headed by Windhoek at Newmarket last month.

Hughie Morrison's Another Cocktail and Paska Boy, trained by Jonathan Portman, are also in the mix while the other runner, the Mick Channon-trained Elidor, is the only one of the quintet not to hold an entry in the Derby.

O'Brien will not be represented in the Betfred "The Bonus King" Oaks Trial as he withdrew Half Moon at the final declaration stage. She was the only filly taken out of the Listed contest, leaving a field of seven in the race.

Ralph Beckett has used this test as a stepping stone for the Oaks itself in the past and will be hoping Secret Gesture can book her place in the fillies' Classic at Epsom on May 31.

All the Trial entrants are in the Oaks except for the Marco Botti-trained Whippy Cream. The rest who are seeking their ticket to Classic stardom are Alta Lilea, Enaitch, Heroine Required, Miss You Too and Northern Star.

Leading Light produced a smart front-running performance to claim the conditions race at Navan on his seasonal debut.

Joseph O'Brien was keen to lead on the Montjeu colt and he asked him to stretch two furlongs out as he was tackled by Canary Row.

9/4 favourite Dibayani had to wait for a gap in the straight but got his run two furlongs out. He tried to throw down a challenged over a furlong out as Canary Row cried enough.

Leading Light had hit top gear, however, and pulled away in impressive style in the closing stages to post a seven-length success over the market leader.

The winner had two starts as a juvenile, winning the second of those at Tipperary.

“He's very lazy and he was off the bridle when he won his maiden at Tipperary,” said Joseph O'Brien afterwards.

“I wanted to get him to the front and when you ask him he gives it to you. I think he'll stay a mile-and-a-half well.”

It was a double on the card for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien following the earlier maiden victory of Just Pretending.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)

Just Pretending was friendless before the off in the Slane Fillies Maiden at Navan but ran out an impressive winner none-the-less.

The Ballydoyle filly opened up at 11/10 on course but was returned 7/4 as they jumped in the mile contest.

She tracked Cocktail Hour throughout before tackling the front-runner a furlong and a half out.

The daughter of Giant's Causeway soon hit the lead and quickened clear inside the final furlong to post a four-and-a-half length victory.

The winner had been a big eye-catcher at Dundalk last month when staying on late into third.

“She's a very difficult mare. Seamie (Heffernan) rode her the last day and said to try her in a hood and it seems to have helped her,” said Joseph O'Brien afterwards.

“He also said whatever you do don't hit her. She showed today that there is a bit of ability there and hopefully she can progress. She's a very well-bred filly.”

The winner is a half-sister to the Grade 3 winner in the US called The Leopard, who cost $2,500,000 as a two-year-old.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)

There are seven Irish possibles among the 30 colts still in the reckoning for the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on Sunday.

Jim Bolger and Aidan O'Brien are each responsible for three entries.

Bolger has Leitir Mor, Loch Garman and Trading Leather engaged, while Ballydoyle trainer O'Brien has Festive Cheer, Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag.

The only other potential Irish challenger is Tommy Carmody's Fort Knox.

Richard Hannon's Olympic Glory is the leading British challenger.

The three-year-old won all but one of five starts as a juvenile and already has successful form across the Channel after claiming the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp's Arc meeting last October.

Olympic Glory made a winning return to action in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury and will return to France aiming to complete a memorable week for the Hannon camp following the 1000 Guineas victory of Sky Lantern at Newmarket on Sunday.

Hannon could also saddle Havana Gold, while there are plenty of other British-trained contenders.

Charlie Hills has Ebn Arab in the mix following his comeback victory at Doncaster, while Marco Botti could send runaway Kempton scorer String Theory to France.

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has left in Tawhid, Brian Meehan could run Mujazif, and John Gosden has Bright Strike.

Of the home contenders, Andre Fabre's Newmarket winner Intello and Freddie Head's Anodin are a two of the more interesting possible runners.

Battle Of Marengo is the star name among six Aidan O'Brien-trained entries for the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The master of Ballydoyle has saddled nine previous winners of this 10-furlong Group Two, including subsequent Epsom Derby heroes Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002).

Battle Of Marengo is following a tried-and-tested route after he won the Ballysax Stakes on his three-year-old debut.

He is the general second favourite for Epsom's premier Classic, behind 2000 Guineas hero Dawn Approach, on June 1.

O'Brien also has Indian Chief, Kingdom, League Of Nations, Magician and Nevis engaged in the Derrinstown at the confirmation stage.

Dawn Approach's trainer, Jim Bolger, has a formidable pair in Loch Garman and Trading Leather.

The entries are completed by First Cornerstone, Canary Row, Dont Bother Me and Little White Cloud from John Oxx's stable.

The Group Three Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial has attracted 17 contenders, including the Dermot Weld-trained Rawaaq and Oxx's Harasiya.

Fifteen horses are currently engaged for the Group Three Amethyst Stakes on the same card.

David Wachman's Duntle is one of the more intriguing participants, along with Weld's Caponata and Ger Lyons' stable star Lily's Angel.

Aidan O'Brien's Curragh maiden scorer Ruler Of The World faces four opponents in the MBNA Chester Vase on Thursday.

The Ballydoyle handler has saddled three of the last six Chester Vase winners in Soldier Of Fortune (2007), Golden Sword (2009) and Treasure Beach (2011).

This son of Galileo is a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Duke Of Marmalade and looked the part when making a winning debut in early April.

He now tests his Derby claims in this mile-and-a-half Group Three, with Ryan Moore taking the ride.

The highest-rated horse in the line-up is the Andrew Balding-trained Havana Beat, fourth in a valuable sales race at Newmarket three weeks ago.

Champion trainer John Gosden is represented by Newbury winner Feel Like Dancing, while Richard Fahey, who struck gold 12 months ago with Mickdaam, runs Gabrial's Kaka.

The small field is completed by Mark Johnston's Mister Impatience.

Four time Group 1 winner Camelot made a winning return to action at the Curragh this afternoon as he took the Group 3 High Chaparral EBF Mooresbridge Stakes for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien.

The four-year-old son of Montjeu won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Derby at Epsom last season but failed to complete the Triple Crown as he finished second in the final leg, the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

He rounded off his three-year-old campaign by finishing a disappointing seventh in the Prix De L'arc De Triomphe but he lost shoes during that race and was found to be suffering from colic afterwards.

Sent off the 1/3 favourite this afternoon he was settled in rear off the pace but he closed into fourth entering the straight.

He was ridden a furlong and a half from home, making headway to lead a furlong out and he was pushed out from there to score by a length and three parts.

His front running stablemate Triumphant (20/1) kept on well to just beat Parish Hall(5/2) for the runner-up spot by a head.

Aidan O’Brien said after the success; "I'm delighted with that. He had big colic surgery during the winter and you never really know what way they will back from that.

"He is all class and he has great speed. I know he got a mile and a half last year but he has a lot of speed.

"Joseph said that he was seventy per cent fit today and the Tattersalls Gold Cup remains the plan.

"It was major open surgery that he had and after it he wasn’t with us for months. He was in Coolmore and I was surprised the shape he came back to us in.

"That type of surgery is massive and we are lucky to have him back.”

Camelot remains unchanged at 14/1 with Stan James for the Prix De L'Arc in October.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Michaelmas landed the odds in the opener at the Curragh but had to knuckle down the get the job done.

The Elusive Quality colt was sent off 2/9 favourite following a highly promising debut effort at Leopardstown last month.

Joseph O'Brien had the hotpot to the fore throughout and asked him to go about his business over a furlong from home.

He kept on inside the final furlong to land the spoils, recording a three-parts victory over Candy Apples, who stayed on late for second.

“He did it nicely. He was still green in front,” said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.

“There is a winners race in Naas (15th May) he might go for. He was lazy and idling away and that's why he let him gallop along.

“I thought he won well enough.”

Aidan O'Brien revealed today that he thinks it's unlikely that Kingsbarns will make the Derby at Epsom on June 1st.

The Racing Post Trophy winner had been winter favourite for the classic but met with a setback earlier in the year which forced him to miss the 2,000 Guineas.

O'Brien said today that he wouldn't be fit for a trial race and that it might not be fair on the horse to push him to make the Derby line-up.

"Were struggling and I don't think he'll be fit for Leopardstown or Chester. He's grand and sound now but he's done so little for so long that he's like a sprinter.

"To be fair on the horse it's probably not fair (going for the Derby). We'll keep going and see but we're probably not going to have him there.

"For those races you have to have everything smooth. He's 20kg up on his racing weight but is sound and perfect. It's a pity but we'll wait and see."

After finishing second in a Listed contest on his last start at Leopardstown, Count Of Limonade went one place better this afternoon, as he took the Dubai Duty Free Millenium Millionaire Celebration Stakes under Joseph O’Brien (a pound overweight) for his father Aidan.

The three-year-old son of Duke Of Marmalade won a handicap at Dundalk in April over today’s trip of a mile but he was stepped up in distance on his last two outings.

Dropped back to a mile this afternoon he raced in second behind the front-runningScintillula (5/1), edging ahead two furlongs out and keeping on best from there to hold off the aforementioned Jim Bolger trained runner by half a length.

Captain Joy (8/1) finished best of all, half a length back in third under Ronan Whelan for Tracey Collins, while the 2/1 favourite Caponata could only manage a disappointing fourth under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.

The winner was well-supported on track, going from 9/2 to his starting price of 7/2.

Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He is tough and very like his daddy. He is getting better with age. He likes fast ground and a mile and a quarter is no problem for him. We will look for a Group race for him now."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Aidan O'Brien has revealed last year's 2000 Guineas and dual Derby hero Camelot could be retired after failing to recapture his best form this season.

The son of Montjeu kicked off his Classic campaign with a last-gasp victory at Newmarket, before running out a hugely-impressive winner of the Epsom Derby under the trainer's son, Joseph.

Claiming the Irish Derby along the way, the stage was set for Camelot to become the first Triple Crown hero since Nijinsky in 1970 as he was given the green light for the St Leger at Doncaster, but he was narrowly denied on Town Moor by Godolphin's Encke.

A disappointing run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe followed, after which he suffered a severe bout of colic, and although he was brought back for a much-anticipated four-year-old campaign, he has looked a shadow of his former self.

Since managing a workmanlike victory on his return, Camelot has been beaten by Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and finished fourth behind the same opponent in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

While a tilt at the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 6 will be considered, O'Brien is unsure whether to persevere with a horse who remains of significant value to his connections as a potential stallion.

O'Brien said: "He's a very important horse to us and he's not one we want to take any risks with.

"The last day at Royal Ascot, he obviously hadn't come back to his best and while the Eclipse is still an option, retirement is something we might have to consider as well.

"The spark was never there after his run in the Irish Derby last year. He had a tough race there on testing ground and then had that problem over the winter."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Aidan O’Brien has indicated Ruler Of The World will now been given a break, following his fifth place finish in the Irish Derby.

O’Brien said: "He's had three quick enough runs and he got a bit warmer than he did at Epsom.

"I don’t want to make excuses as the winner did it well. We may give him a break now as he deserves it."

O’Brien also ran Festive Cheer in the third Irish Classic of the season, and he kept on well to finish a good third.

He said of him; "I’m delighted with the way he ran. He ran better than he did at Epsom and Ruler Of The World didn’t but that is racing I suppose."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

The Vatican put in a game front-running performance to take the last at the Curragh, the eFlow 'Hassle Free' Maiden, providing Aidan O’Brien with a double on the card.

The three-year-old son of Galileo ran just once as a juvenile, finishing third of five behindFlying The Flag (won the feature race this evening) in a race at Leopardstown last July.

He opened the 7/4 favourite on-course this evening, but drifted all the way out to 5/2 at the off, with the Ger Lyons trained Saxo Jack going off the 9/4 market leader.

Ridden by Joseph O’Brien, the winner soon led but was joined and given reminders approaching the straight.

He was under pressure and pressed from over two furlongs out, but he responded well to his jockey's urgings, staying on well in the final furlong to score by a length and three parts at the line.

Al Destoor ran a fine race on his debut to finish second at 11/1 under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx, while Wannabe Better was a length and a quarter back in third under Wayne Lordan for Tommy Stack at 13/2.

Saxo Jack never looked like winning and he finished a disappointing fifth under Gary Carroll.

Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He is a hardy, sound horse that handles fast ground well.

"He's been leading Battle Of Marengo at home and that’s why you haven’t seen him. He’ll stay further."

The winner is out of a half-sister to Minor Vamp, who won the Goffs Fillies Million at the Curragh in 2008 for Richard Hannon.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Aidan O’Brien won the feature race at Naas on Wednesday with his apparent second string and he did the same at the Curragh this evening as Flying The Flagoverturned the 'jolly' in the Group 3 eFlow 'You First' International Stakes.

The former Brian Meehan trained Most Improved was making his debut this evening for Ballydoyle, and having won the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, he was expected to take all the beating.

He drifted on track from an opening show of 4/5 out to 5/4, with the winner well supported, going off at 21/10 (first horse to be returned at that price in Ireland) having opened at 3/1 on-course.

Flying The Flag raced in second under Seamie Heffernan as Aloof made the running while Most Improved was settled in third.

As they turned into the straight Flying The Flag took closer order and was pushed along over two furlongs out.

He soon challenged and hit the front under a furlong from home, going on from there to score by four lengths at the line.

Aloof finished second under Wayne Lordan for David Wachman at 5/2 (was 9/2 this morning), while Most Improved was six and a half lengths back in third under Joseph O’Brien.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I’m delighted with him. He's a mile and a quarter horse and fast ground is important to him. There was plenty of pace on and that suited him."

O'Brien said of Most Improved; "He has been off a long time and he just got tired as he was entitled to do. I was very happy with the run, especially how he travelled during the race. Joseph said he won’t mind going back in trip."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Joseph O'Brien is confident Ruler Of The World can maintain his unbeaten record and hand father Aidan a remarkable 11th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Saturday evening.

The master of Ballydoyle has saddled the likes of Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002) and last year's hero Camelot to win Ireland's premier Classic, with that trio all succeeding on the back of Epsom Derby glory.

Ruler Of The World, ridden by Ryan Moore at Epsom, bids to follow in their hoofprints at the Curragh, with the trainer's son getting back on board for the first time since he won his maiden at the track in April.

O'Brien jnr, who claimed his first Irish Derby aboard Camelot a year ago, said: "He's an exciting horse. He's won three times from three runs and he won very nicely the last day at Epsom so we're looking forward to it.

"He was ready to run early as a two-year-old and he was in the Chesham (at Royal Ascot) until very late on, he was going to run but then he got a little cough.

"They couldn't shift the cough for the rest of the year but he's a very exciting horse.

"You'd be hoping he'll improve for the experience of Epsom, the Curragh is a fair track and he's won there already," the jockey told At The Races.

O'Brien senior, who has won the last seven Irish Derbies, added: "We have been very happy with him (since Epsom).

"He impressed us at Epsom and we think the Curragh will suit him even better."

Likely pacesetter Festive Cheer, the mount of Seamie Heffernan, also runs for the Ballydoyle team.

Renewing rivalries with Ruler Of The World is Epsom runner-up Libertarian. A shock winner of the Dante Stakes at York, the three-year-old proved that was no fluke with a fantastic effort at Epsom and he emerged with extra credit given he did not appear to handle the undulating track.

He has since been snapped up by Godolphin and is set to make his final start for North Yorkshire trainer Elaine Burke this weekend.

The trainer's husband, Karl, believes the stable star is open to more improvement than most from Epsom.

Burke said: "He's going there in great form. I've been very happy with his work since Epsom and I'm sure he has improved.

"Physically he looks a more mature horse than he was going into Epsom and I think mentally he has sharpened up as well.

"Considering he did not handle the track that well at Epsom, he did extremely well to finish as close as he did.

"Certainly you would think the Curragh will suit him better. The track should play to his strengths.

"Conditions should be fine for him. He wouldn't want extremes either way, but other than that he's fine.

"All these staying three-year-olds tend to progress through the summer, but being a May foal, you would like to think he has scope to improve more than the other horses that ran at Epsom.

"There is a lot of stamina on the dam's side and he'll see out the trip well. New Approach is turning into a superb stallion."

On the possibility of his wife becoming first woman in history to train an Irish Derby winner, Burke said: "It would be great to do it for Elaine. He nearly did it at Epsom and hopefully he goes one better on Saturday."

Despite the change of ownership, William Buick keeps the ride on Saturday evening and he too is confident of a bold show.

Buick said: "I'm really looking forward to it. He's a lovely horse and he did very well in the Derby and the track should suit him better at the Curragh.

"Although he's taking on the Derby winner, who will also improve for it being on a more galloping track, I'm very hopeful. We'll have to see."

Another horse who will switch yards after this weekend's Classic is the Patrick Prendergast-trained Sugar Boy, who was snapped up by owner Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum earlier this week.

The Authorized colt beat Libertarian and Epsom third Galileo Rock on his latest start at Sandown, and Prendergast is hoping his extra freshness will stand him in good stead, although some rain at Curragh would have been welcomed.

Prendergast said: "He's in good shape and we've had no problems.

"The rain dance I've been doing hasn't worked, but there's nothing we can do about that. If I had everything my own way we'd have had a drop of rain. I'd have been more confident about his chances then.

"It's my first runner in the Derby and, to be honest, I haven't even got round to thinking about the fact it will be his last run for me.

"We're looking forward to the race, he's going there well and fresh and he's only going up the road, which is an advantage.

"I'm hoping Epsom might have emptied a couple of them out. We'll see."

Chris Hayes has partnered Sugar Boy on his last five stars and hopes to break his Classic duck.

Hayes said: "He's probably the freshest horse going into the race as the others have been to Epsom and elsewhere.

"He's been a great horse for me and I've only been beaten once on him and that was behind Battle Of Marengo in the Ballysax.

"I was fairly bullish when I came in then that if he met Battle Of Marengo again it would be a different result.

"It's the first time I've had a proper chance in a Classic."

Galileo Rock's trainer David Wachman acknowledges his charge will have to keep improving to again trouble those who finished ahead of him at Epsom.

Wachman said: "He's in good form and the ground looks OK so far. Hopefully the rain stays away.

"It's a competitive race. Hopefully he's still progressing as if you don't progress month by month, you get left behind.

"We'd like a strong pace, but he handled an easy pace all right in Epsom.

"We'll just have to see what happens."

Jim Bolger's only previous Irish Derby success was with St Jovite back in 1992, but he could find the target again with Trading Leather.

Second in the Dante and third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the son of Teofilo appeared ready for a step up to a mile and a half when impressing in the Silver Stakes last time out.

Bolger said: "The step up in trip should suit him. He seems in very good form and is looking very well. He's been eating well since his last run and put the weight back on.

"He wants good ground or a little faster."

John Oxx has won the Irish Derby with Sinndar (2000) and Alamshar (2003) and is this year represented by outsider Little White Cloud, who has been placed twice in Pattern company this year.

Oxx said: "The Gallinule was probably quick enough back (after the Derrinstown). He ran well but was beaten again. Both those were over a mile and a quarter and he's a mile-and-a-half horse and will probably stay beyond that.

"He's rated 107 and has to improve 10lb to be competitive. I think he'll improve a certain amount, but whether he makes that jump I don't know.

"It's been five weeks since his last run so he's had a chance to improve and he's is bred to improve from two to three also.

"Hopefully with the time and the extra distance he'll make the jump, but the gap is obviously there.

"He wants fast ground. He doesn't handle soft and wouldn't even want the slow side of good."

A nine-runner field is completed by Godolphin pacemaker Cap O'Rushes and Pat Shanahan's 100-1 outsider Ralston Road.

Epsom Derby winner Ruler of the World will face 8 rivals in Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh following this morning’s final declaration of runners and he will attempt to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a remarkable 11th winner of the race.

He will take on Libertarian who finished runner up at Epsom and whose trainer Elaine Burke will attempt to become the first female trainer to win the Group 1 Classic in it’s 148th year history. Epsom third Galileo Rock will hope to give his trainer David Wachman and jockey Wayne Lordan their first Irish Derby victory.

Sugar Boy trained by Patrick Prendergast, whose Grandfather trained the winner of the race four times, will also line up in the 1.25 million euro contest, while Jim Bolger who won the race 21 years ago with St Jovite has Trading Leather, John Oxx who trained the winner of the race in 2000 with Sinndar and in 2003 with Alamshar will run Little White Cloud, while trainer Pat Shanahan will attempt to become one of the only trainers to also win the race as a jockey, having ridden Zagreb to success in 1996, when he saddles Ralston Road.

Festive Cheer, Cap O’Rushes make up the nine runner field

Paddy Power, official betting partner of the Curragh Racecourse: 11-10 Ruler Of The World, 7-2 Libertarian, 5 Trading Leather, 8 Galileo Rock, Sugar Boy, 20 Festive Cheer, 33 Little White Cloud, 50 Cap O'Rushes, 100 Ralston Road

Other points to note -

Friday 1st race 5.25pm with live music from the Knights of Leon after last race.

• Saturday 1st race 3.10pm Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby off at 6.30pm. Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish Lady competition in association with Boodles (registration closes 3pm) with lead judge Michelle Keegan of Coronation Street fame. Derby Music Village hosted by Hector OhEoghagain with live music throughout the day from Raglans, Delorentoes, Original Rude Boys and Sharon Shannon with special guest Brian Kennedy

• Sunday 1st race 2.05pm Oxigen Environmental Family Race Day

• Admission can be purchased at the turnstiles

• Under 16s accompanied by an adult free on all 3 days

Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien completed a treble at Naas today when his American import Darwin made an impressive Irish debut in the Boston Access Race.

Ridden by the trainer's son Joseph (completing a double on the day), the strapping son of Big Brown was held up last of the three runners before quickly moving to the front over a furlong out, for an easy two and a quarter lengths win over Fighter Squadron.

O'Brien Snr wasn't present but Joseph O'Brien later stated “he has been an exciting horse and is still only a three year old. He's still quite green, that was his first run on grass and it was his first time on a track like this. He hasn't done much at home and has only been on grass twice since we've had him, so they're probably the only times he's been on grass.

“He hasn't run in nearly a year and got hurt on his second run in America before having a break. He's a lovely horse and is in races like the Sussex Stakes.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson

Ballydoyle landed the Listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Naas Oaks Trial at Naas today but not with the one most expected to win, Moth (4/11 favourite, met trouble in-running), the race instead going to stablemate Venus De Milo (8/1).

Moth was heavily backed following two fine efforts in the English 1,000 Guineas and Oaks and was again patiently ridden byJoseph O'Brien.

However once the race began in earnest in the straight, the gaps failed to appear for Moth who was blocked numerous occasions on the heels of the main group. Opera Gloves and Bunairgead looked set to fight out the finish before Venus De Milo flew home late on, to edge a three parts of a length win over Opera Gloves.

Moth failed to get a run and finished well back in eighth.

Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien was absent but Heffernan later stated “Venus De Miloshowed a lot as a younger filly at home but Aidan didn't want to run her until she was ready.

“She surprised me at Fairyhouse the way she quickened when the penny dropped and I was riding her to run a nice race today and wanted to teach her a bit to see if she was up to running in these kinds of races.

“I wasn't sure, but I initially thought the reason she won at Fairyhouse was because of the soft ground but the ground was totally the opposite today. She has a bit of class though and is strong and versatile.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson

The Aidan O'Brien trained Illustrate led home a field of 17 runners to win the Prosperous Financial Services Supporting North Kildare Chamber Maiden at Naas today under Champion Jockey Joseph O'Brien.

The field immediately broke into two 'groups' with jockey Fran Berry opting to race hitherto frustrating Lottie Dod alone on the stands' side. Illustrate led the main pack and eventually dismissed Lottie Dod with a furlong and a half to race, recording an easy two and a quarter lengths win over that rival.

Trainer O'Brien was absent but his winning jockey son later said “Illustrate won nicely - the ground was very quick and he stayed going.

“He loves that ground and six furlongs was his trip. He was entitled to win a a maiden after his good run the last day.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson

The 5/4 favourite Leading Light ran out a tenacious winner of the Queen's Vase (In Memory of Sir Henry Cecil) at Royal Ascot.

For much of the contest the strong-travelling Disclaimer looked like he could provide the fairytale success for Lady Cecil but he weakened from the two furlong market and the winner went to the front.

He was immediately pressed by Feel Like Dancing (20/1) who thundered home down the centre of the track but Leading Light found more for pressure and went on to score by a length-and-a-half.

It was the same distance back to 66/1 chance who ran a huge race in third.

"We were a little bit worried about the trip, but other than that we thought he was a very nice horse and he's toughed it out," said the winning rider.

"He's very relaxed and he has a great attitude. He tries hard and when you get stuck into him he fights.

"He's very idle. When he gets to the front he stops, but whenever another horse gets to him, they don't go past him. He always just does enough."

Sky Bet cut the winner to 7/1 from 10s for the Ladbrokes St Leger.

Spokesman Michael Shinners said: "He looked all stamina and showed real guts to get back up when challenged. In the long term he could well be a Gold Cup horse."

Disclaimer could not provide Warren House stables with a poignant winner of the Queen's Vase, named in honour of the late trainer.

The colt travelled smoothly into the lead turning into the straight. However, Disclaimer's stamina gave way soon afterwards.

Cecil won the race an incredible eight times in his career, among his record 75 Royal Ascot triumphs, and all of the jockeys wore black armbands in memory of the legendary figure.

Ryan Moore gave Hillstar a fantastic ride to reel in 10/11 favourite Battle Of Marengo and win the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The market leader looked to have made a decisive move when kicking for home and taking two lengths out of the field shortly after turning in.

However Moore had ridden the 15/2 winner with great patience and he produced a sustained run from the rear of the field to hit the front inside the distance and score by a length and a half. Mutashaded (11/2) was third.

"He's a horse I've always thought a lot of. I was taken a bit further back than I would have liked but he got there in the end," the winning rider told Channel Four Racing.

Winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute added: "We had him in the Derby and the Irish Derby and his first two races this year hadn't gone right. At Newbury last time he hit the gate too well and was too keen so we wrapped him up today. We've always loved this horse."

Gale Force Ten provided Ballydoyle with their third winner of the meeting when battling back strongly to beat Montiridge in the Jersey Stakes, the opening race on day two of Royal Ascot.

Aidan O'Brien and son Joseph won the first race of the meeting with Declaration Of War and they repeated the feat on Wednesday by kicking off the card with a winner, a well-backed 9/2 favourite.

It looked as though the Oasis Dream colt might have to settle for second when Montiridge (8/1) edged by him inside the final furlong, but O'Brien's charge responded well to pressure and he got back up to win by a head.

Tawhid was third at 25/1 with Garswood fourth. Richard Hughes picked up a one day ban for careless riding on the runner-up.

Joseph O'Brien said: "He's very tough, but I was praying someone would come to me as he was being very idle. When he saw the other horse he put his head down.

"He got a mile very well at the Curragh, that's why I didn't want to get too far back. He's small but he has a big heart."

Aidan O'Brien said: "He fought back well. He's a hardy horse, a strong horse and loves that fast ground. Joseph said in an ideal world he would not want to be in front as long as that.

"He could step up to a mile or go back to six furlongs, which is unusual. Over six furlongs he would not want to be in front as long as that."

Richard Hannon, trainer of Montiridge, said: "He's a better horse on better ground, it's quite quick out there.

"He's quite good. There's a few French races for him. The Prix Jean Prat is only in 10 days, but you never know."

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Tawhid, said: "We were worried about the ground - he would prefer it softer - but he handled it and he ran a huge race. There is no target, we'll find another Group race for him."

Aidan O'Brien's apparent third string War Command turned in a breathtaking display under Seamie Heffernan to take top honours in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Ballydoyle handler was responsible for 5/2 favourite Stubbs, as well as leading contender Sir John Hawkins (6/1), with War Command a 20/1 shot after making a winning debut at Leopardstown just 11 days earlier.

Stubbs ranged up on the outside in the hands of the trainer's son Joseph a furlong down, with Sir John Hawkins and Ryan Moore also in there pitching, but neither had any answer to War Command's stunning finishing effort.

The American-bred juvenile passed the post six lengths clear of the eyecatching Parbold, who made good ground in the final furlong having encountered traffic problems.

Sir John Hawkins picked up minor money in third, with Stubbs eventually weakening into sixth position.

Heffernan said: "I've probably ridden all of Aidan's Coventry winners at home, but none of them on the track. It's my first ride in the race.

"It was nice to ride one that has won as easy as that. He relaxed and quickened. He's all right, this one."

Sky Bet inserted him at 8/1 for the 2000 Guineas immediately after the race such was the impression he made on the bookmakers.

Ballydoyle drew first blood at Royal Ascot as 15/2 chance Declaration of War took the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening event of the meeting.

Favourite Animal Kingdom, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup, was sent off the 5/4 favourite to land another major prize but completely failed to handle conditions and was beaten soon after halfway.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained winner had performed below expectations in Newbury's Lockinge Stakes on his previous start, but showed his true colours here.

Held up in midpack in the early stages, Joseph O'Brien had to be patient and was still only fourth passing the furlong-pole. But once he found the gap 150 yards out, Declaration Of War made rapid progress to take up the running and go away to score by three-quarters of a length.

Aljamaaheer (8/1) took second, with Gregorian (16/1) filling out the frame in third.

Elusive Kate, who had helped set to early fractions with Libranno and Penitent, finished back in fourth

"I'm still not quite sure what happened at Newbury, but this is a very good horse," said the winning rider.

Joseph O’Brien is the current 2-1 favourite with bookmakers Paddy Power to be the top jockey at Royal Ascot this week.

He was as short as 11-10 but has drifted in recent days with continued support coming for last year’s leading rider, Ryan Moore, who is now just 9-4.

Moore was as big as 3-1, while Richard Hughes has also been well-supported, going from 7-1 into a current price of 4-1.

Jamie Spencer is next in the betting at 8-1 while Johnny Murtagh and Kieran Fallon are both 33-1.

Paddy Power bet; 2-1 Joseph O’Brien, 9-4 Ryan Moore, 4-1 Richard Hughes, 8-1 Jamie Spencer, 12-1 William Buick, Paul Hanagan, 16-1 Silvestre De Sousa, 20-1 James Doyle, 33-1 Tom Queally, Joe Fanning, Jim Crowley, Johnny Murtagh, Kieran Fallon, 50-1 Frankie Dettori.

Al Kazeem and Camelot will lock horns for a second time this season when they square up for a tussle in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

The talented duo headed a field of 11 for the Group One over a mile and a quarter with no horses withdrawn at the 48-hour final declaration stage.

Al Kazeem, trained by Roger Charlton, came out on top by a length and a half when the pair clashed in the Tattersalls Gold Cup but the Camelot camp seek revenge and expect last year's triple Classic winner to be in better shape.

His trainer Aidan O'Brien runs a pacemaker in the shape of Windsor Palace, who was third in the first encounter last month.

Jonathan Pease sends Maxios sends over from France after his win in the Prix d'Ispahan, while Andrew Balding saddles Side Glance, who performed well in Dubai.

Ed Dunlop's globetrotter Red Cadeaux has a rare start on home soil, with the progressive Mukhadram from William Haggas' stable stepping up in class following his Group Three success at Sandown.

John Gosden has opted to take on the colts with The Fugue rather than stick to her own sex in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on the same card.

Godolphin have the former Andre Fabre-trained Saint Baudolino, who was fourth at Meydan on his only run of the year so far. Luca Cumani's Afsare and the Clive Brittain-trained Miblish make up the list.

The subject of massive confidence in the market, Bye Bye Birdie (4/5 into 4/9 on track) got the job done on outing number three in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Cork.

Basically Joseph O'Brien wasn't taking no for an answer from the front running first time 'cheek-pieced' juvenile.

She made the running but those involved in the punt got a major fright when the daughter of Oasis Dream was headed inside the last by Abbakova. To her credit, the Ballydoyle runner fought tenaciously to prevail by a neck.

John Murphy's Dimity (14/1) performed above expectations to take the third spot, half a length back whilst Clenor (a morning price market-mover) was hampered and stumbled at halfway. She kept on for the fourth spot, another length and a half adrift.

Joseph O'Brien revealed: "She'd be better on quick ground. She has a couple of entries next week (the Queen Mary and the Albany) and she could go." (AM & EM)

Dawn Approach, Magician and Toronado are all set to clash at Royal Ascot on Tuesday after a field of nine was declared for the St James's Palace Stakes.

Dawn Approach, winner of the 2000 Guineas, was a doubtful runner after his last-placed finish in the Derby until trainer Jim Bolger stated his intention to run last Wednesday.

Bolger has also declared Leitir Mor, winner of a Group Three at Leopardstown last week.

Magician had been a short-priced favourite for the race following his win in the Irish Guineas but he met with a slight setback last week.

While he is expected to fully recover, Aidan O'Brien has also declared Mars, who has performed creditably in the Guineas and Derby already this season.

George Vancouver is another Ballydoyle representative in the Group One.

Richard Hannon will be hoping the real Toronado turns up after he disappointed many in the Guineas by finishing only fourth.

A breathing issue was apparently the reason for that and jockey Richard Hughes has high hopes once again.

Roger Charlton has decided on this race for Dundonnell rather than the Jersey Stakes, while Kevin Ryan's Guineas runner-up Glory Awaits will take part.

The Mikel Delzangles-trained Mshawish, ridden by Frankie Dettori, completes the field.

Aidan O'Brien has a strong hand in Tuesday's Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot after a field of 16 runners was declared.

The Ballydoyle team will be represented by Naas Listed winner Stubbs, Curragh maiden victor Sir John Hawkins and War Command, who made a winning debut at Leopardstown 11 days ago.

Richard Hannon is also strongly represented with Richard Hughes choosing Championship.

Frankie Dettori will be aboard Thunder Strike while Dane O'Neill is on the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Wahaab.

The Sheikh's retained jockey Paul Hanagan has chose to partner Brian Meehan's Mawfoor.

Mick Channon runs Riverboat Springs who flashed home in the Woodcote at Epsom, Jallota and Rosso Corsa.

Richard Fahey has selected Parbold from his strong team of juveniles while Mark Johnston runs Lanark.

Wilshire Boulevard picked up compensation for last week’s near miss at Navan when winning decisively over the same course and distance tonight.

Last Saturday the son of Holy Roman Emperor just failed by a short head in a six furlong juvenile maiden won by Muscle Beach but there was no mistake this time.

Joseph O’Brien sent him after Candy Apples at the furlong pole and the pair quickly asserted to come home two lengths to the good and justify 4/7 favouritism. He was backed in from an opening show of 9/10.

“He was entitled to run a big race after the last day. He has loads of speed and will be better on better ground,” Joseph O’Brien commented afterwards on the two-year-old trained by his father Aidan.

Candy Apples was his market rival but she was noticeably weak at the track, drifting from 5/4 to 13//8.

Seven runners went to post and it was the unraced Fix It (16/1) who came in third, six lengths adrift of runner-up Candy Apples.

One of the most anticipated clashes of next week's Royal Ascot meeting has come under threat with news that Magician may miss his expected head-to-head with Dawn Approach in the St James's Palace Stakes.

A final decision on Magician's participation will be made on Sunday after the colt sustained "minor bruising" following a knock on Thursday, Coolmore said.

Impressive winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt had previously won the Dee Stakes at Chester's May meeting.

Mars, sixth in the Investec Derby at Epsom, is on stand-by to act as substitute for Magician should he not run.

A statement issued on www.coolmore.com late on Friday said: "Magician sustained minor bruising after receiving a knock yesterday.

"Aidan is very happy with Magician today and he is 100% sound.

"A final decision will be made on Sunday whether or not he will run in Tuesday's St James's Palace Stakes.

"Should he not run, Mars will take his place and in the event of that happening Indian Chief will run in the Tercentenary."

Confirming running plans for the O'Brien two-year-olds next week, the statement went on: "Two-year-old plans for Royal Ascot are as follows: Stubbs, Sir John Hawkins and War Command are all probables for the Coventry and Fountain Of Youth goes for the Windsor Castle.

"Bye Bye Birdie runs in Mallow (Cork) on Sunday after which a decision will be made on the Queen Mary.

"Coach House is a probable for the Norfolk Stakes and Wonderfully is likely to represent us in the Albany.

"We plan to run both Friendship and Adeste Fideles in the Chesham Stakes."

Bracelet overwhelmed Tap Dancing inside the last 200 yards of the opener at Leopardstown, but all the drama happened in behind as Patty Paige appeared to clip heels, unseating Rory Cleary and hampering several other runners.

Cleary was taken to St Vincent's Hospital for precautionary X-rays following his fall. He was fully conscious and moving when aided by the medical staff.

Bracelet had the benefit of an outing in a Listed race at Naas 10 days ago when 8th to the impressive Sandiva over six furlongs.

Today’s trip was seven furlongs and when Joseph O’Brien asked her to hunt down front-runner Tap Dancing (3/1) she showed a good attitude to get on top and win going away by two lengths.

The pair were well clear of Muileata (10/1), on debut for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning, in third beaten 14 lengths.

“She’s a lovely filly. The ground was plenty slow enough for her,” Joseph O’Brien said.

“She jumped and travelled. She was very green first time. She was maybe a bit disappointing and didn’t do herself justice.”

The two-year-old Montjeu filly had been all the rage all day as she opened at 6/4 in places this morning before being returned at 1/2 favourite.

This was trainer Aidan O’Brien’s 10th winner in the last two weeks from 39 runners. She was Joseph O’Brien’s ninth success in the same time period.

Upon racing commencing this evening the going was Good to Yielding after rain during the day.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

The Prince Of Wales's Stakes has become a real signature race for older horses since it was raised to Group One level in 2000 and 11 runners were left in at the latest declaration stage

Al Kazeem has been something of a labour of love for Roger Charlton and the late maturing type has rewarded the patience of connections.

He was only seen once on the racecourse during 2012 with victory in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket but he's looked on an upward curve this season - seeing off Thomas Chippendale in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown before taking the scalp of Camelot at the Curragh last month.

Charlton said: "He's fine. He worked well this morning."

For Camelot, the jury remains out despite being three-quarters of a length away from a Classic treble last season.

He was no equal to Al Kazeem when they last met and as ever, the barbs about his generation being weak are never far away.

Aidan O'Brien has won the race previously with So You Think (2012) and Duke Of Marmalade (2008)

The race is one that has been particularly good to Godolphin in the past, and the boys in blue have been responsible for four winners including Dubai Millennium.

This year they could be represented by Saint Baudolino.

Second in the French Derby when trained by Andre Fabre, he had his first run for his new connections in February where he finished second in a Group 2 on the Tapeta surface at Meydan.

Maxios is the only French raider though he is trained by a Brit in Jonathan Pease. He provided something of a shock when getting the better of Planteur in the Prix d'Isaphan at Longchamp but has won four times over this trip previously.

Afsare has proved mulish at the start ahead of his recent races and he was withdrawn on account of his behaviours ahead of the Festival Stakes at Goodwood. He is however, no stranger to winning at the Festival having taken the Hampton Court Stakes back in 2010.

Red Cadeaux brings an international perspective to the entries having recently visited Japan, Dubai and Singapore over the winter, while The Fugue is the only filly in the race although she could head for the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes.

The field is completed by Side Glance, Miblish, Mukhadram, Windsor Palace and Chapter Seven.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club has this week issued invitations to the connections of 10 horses trained in Britain and Ireland for the Group 1 $3 million 2013 Sportingbet Cox Plate (2040m) on Saturday, October 26.

They include Tattersalls Gold Cup one-two Al Kazeem and Camelot with an invitation also issued to Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician.

Godolphin pair Farrh and Sajjhaa could join them in Australia along with globetrotting duo Side Glance and Planteur with The Fugue, Trade Storm and Ed Dunlop's American import Unbridled Command completing the list.

There is a good spread of possible runners from France headed by regular Antipodean visitor Dunaden who could cross swords with Giofra, Mandour and Maxios.

The MVRC have also invited two of Hong Kong's leading performers in Military Attack who recently stormed home to win the Group One SIA Cup at Kranji from stablemate and fellow invitee Dan Excel.

Akeed Mofeed and California Memory are the other Hong Kong stars to be invited with Mike de Kock's The Apache and Japan's Eishin Flash completing the list.

MVRC Chairman Bob Scarborough is excited by the possibility of enticing the world's best weight-for-age thoroughbreds to Melbourne to contest the Sportingbet Cox Plate.

"With the retirement of Frankel, there is now a new crop of Group One weight-for-age champions attempting to assert their authority on the racing world," he said.

"The international racing landscape is forever changing and we are now seeing a large contingent of horses not only travelling overseas, but winning international Group races.

"I am hopeful that the connections of the best weight-for-age horses in the world will accept our invitation to travel to Melbourne to contest the Weight-For-Age Championship in the southern hemisphere, the Sportingbet Cox Plate, and attempt to become the first international horse to claim the crown."

Sir Henry Cecil has died at the age of 70, said a statement posted on the Newmarket trainer's official website.

Responsible for 25 British Classic winners and crowned champion trainer 10 times, Cecil was also the leading handler by some way at Royal Ascot with a record 75 successes.

Knighted by the Queen in 2011, his later years saw him battle cancer but were illuminated by the great Frankel, officially the best horse in the world and unbeaten in 14 starts before retirement.

A statement posted on www.sirhenrycecil.com read: "It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning.

"Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil. No further update is anticipated this afternoon."

Ruler Of The World has been confirmed a definite runner in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Saturday, June 29th and the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt is again likely to clash with his two nearest Epsom rivals Libertarian and Galileo Rock. Libertarian will have to be supplemented to the race at a cost of 75,000 euro, but his trainer Elaine Burke has stated that connections of the colt are prepared to do just that.

Speaking at the Curragh on Sunday, Aidan O’Brien gave an upbeat bulletin on his star colt. “Ruler Of The World has come out of the Epsom race in great shape and it’s all systems go for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby,” he said.

“We could not be happier with the horse and at the moment he is likely to be our only runner in the race.”

Libertarian and Galileo Rock were both doing their best work at the finish at Epsom and were only beaten one and a half lengths and a short head respectively by Ruler Of The World. David Wachman reported Galileo Rock in “excellent form” following his exertions at Epsom. “He has come out of the Epsom race in great form,” commented Wachman. “The horse has several race options open to him but the Irish Derby is high on the list and we will make a decision nearer the time.”

Elaine Burke, who will attempt to become the first female trainer to win the Irish Derby, is also to aim her fast-finishing Derby runner-up Libertarian. Her husband Karl said that the New Approach colt would have the week off before they would begin building him up again for his next assignment, where they hope the course and pace of the race will enable him to reverse the form.

Trading Leather booked his place in the line-up for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby when landing the Listed TRM Silver Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Runner-up in the Dante Stakes at York and third behind Magician in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas in his two previous races, Jim Bolger’s colt really impressed in that Listed contest. “He is a tough colt who stays really well and the Irish Derby will be his next objective,” commented Bolger.

Curragh-based trainer Patrick Prendergast is set to have his first ever runner in the Irish Derby with the highly progressive Sugar Boy. The son of Authorized had both Galileo Rock and Libertarian behind him when he gamely landed a Group Three contest at Sandown in April and is fully deserving of his chance in the line-up. “Sugar Boy has thrived since the Sandown race,” said Prendergast, whose late grandfather and namesake won this race with Ragusa (1963) and Meadow Court (1965).

“The horse would like a bit of juice in the ground but either way he is a definite runner and I can see him run a very big race.”

Another trainer having his first runner in the race is Pat Shanahan, who will saddle recent Chester winner Ralston Road. “He didn’t really handle the track at Chester but his courage saw him through in the end,” remarked Shanahan, who won this race as a rider aboard the Dermot Weld-trained Zagreb in 1996.

“Ralston Road is in great form and has come on a good deal since that Chester win. He is a real galloper, stays the trip well and is entitled to take his chance in the race.”

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival takes place from the 28th to 30th June and will feature world class racing, fabulous fashion with the winner of the Most Stylish Lady competition judged by Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan winning a 5 Star Dubai holiday plus a spectacular diamond ring from Boodles, superb Food Paddock and the Derby Music Village with live music throughout Derby Day featuring the Raglans, Delorentos, Original Rude Boys and Sharon Shannon.

Paddy Power, official betting partner of the Curragh Racecourse latest betting: 5-4 Ruler Of The World, 7-2 Libertarian, 6 Galileo Rock, Trading Leather, 7 Sugar Boy, 20 Little White Cloud

A special Derby Day admission ticket can now be purchased in advance for only €30, which includes a free Derby bus from Dublin City Centre, collecting at Ballsbridge Inn, Bewleys Leopardstown, Newlands Cross and Browns Barn

The Irish Double ticket is also available to purchase. Costing just €50, it will permit fans of racing and golf to enjoy one of the best sporting and social occasions of the year in the third round of the Irish Open at Carton House during the day, followed by the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh in the evening. There is also the option to book the Irish Double shuttle bus from the Curragh to the Irish Open departing from the racecourse at 8am and returning in the afternoon.

UAE Derby hero Lines Of Battle, Irish 2,000 Guineas third Trading Leather and the promising Zand all clash in a mouth-watering renewal of the TRM Silver Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.

Lines Of Battle subsequently didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages when tackling the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, while Trading Leather returns to the ten-furlong trip over which he previously ran a cracker when runner-up to Libertarian in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York.

Zand has always been held in high regard by the John Oxx team, and the Leopardstown maiden winner makes a belated seasonal debut here having been held up by a foot problem.

The Listed event is the highlight on a seven race card which gets underway at 2.20pm, and the going remains good to firm following watering.

Meanwhile the going is good to firm (firm in places) at Roscommon ahead of a two-day meeting there on Monday and Tuesday.

The Aidan O’Brien trained League Of Nations clearly appreciated the quick ground as he defied top weight when running out a comfortable winner of the last at Navan, the Paddy Power In Support Of The Irish Dogs For The Disabled 3yo Handicap.

The son of Galileo ran well on his first four starts but he disappointed at Killarney last time out, finishing a well beaten third behind Kiss Goodnight when sent off the 4/5 favourite.

Stepped up in trip by two furlongs and encountering quick ground for the first time, he was backed from his morning price of 9/2 and he went off the 3/1 favourite.

Scelig (4/1) attempted to make all under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger but she had no answer once overtaken by the winner over a furlong out, as he went on to score by two and a quarter lengths.

The aforementioned Jim Bolger trained filly plugged on to take second while Carriedwas a neck back in third under Pat Smullen for Prunella Dobbs at 8/1.

Winning rider Joseph O’Brien said afterwards; "He disappointed at Killarney but it was very bad ground and the better ground today helped. He has been running consistently and he was entitled to win that."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Epsom hero Ruler Of The World will be Aidan O'Brien's big hope for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 29th.

The Ballydoyle trainer has taken the Classic for the last seven years, and 10 times in all, and has a host of entries in the race this season.

However, O'Brien has decided to name his Investec Derby winner as on target for the Curragh.

"We're making our plans known earlier than usual to allow others to plan positively for the Irish Derby," O'Brien told www.coolmore.com.

O'Brien also stated that Battle Of Marengo, Mars, Magician, Camelot and Declaration Of War will form part of his raiding party for Royal Ascot.

He outlined some of his plans for the Berkshire showpiece on the Coolmore website with Camelot facing a rematch with Al Kazeem in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

Roger Charlton's charge proved too strong for last year's Investec Derby hero in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time at the Curragh.

Battle Of Marengo, fourth to stablemate Ruler Of The World in this year's Epsom Classic, will go for the King Edward VII Stakes while Derby sixth Mars is on course for the Tercentenary Stakes.

Magician, impressive winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, is in line for the St James's Palace Stakes, with Gale Force Ten heading for the Jersey Stakes and Leading Light the Queen's Vase.

Declaration Of War will take on Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom in the Queen Anne Stakes that kicks off the five-day bonanza on Tuesday week.