Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (Group 1) (No Geldings)

By Justify, who sired last year's Derby winner, out of mare by another who won this race; he lost nothing in defeat to a sharper type in The Lion In Winter over 7f at York on final 2yo start and, following a spreadeagling win at Meydan, came from off the pace to take the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket (1m, good) in May; now goes into the blue yonder stamina-wise but his trainer seemed quite bullish about his Derby prospects immediately after the Guineas; out of the top drawer already and may well enhance his reputation today.

All three runs in maidens and he made all at Chester (1m4f, good) in May; low on the list in form terms but his owner, who also runs Green Storm, has had big-priced runners finish in the frame in recent Derbys, including for this yard last year, and this could be another surprise package.

460,000gns yearling; by Frankel out of a Group 2/3 winner at 1m4f; won a 7f AW novice on sole 2yo start and he's been coming into his own over more suitable distances this year; did not get the best of trips when second to Pride Of Arras in the Group 2 Dante at York (about 1m2f, good to firm) last time, being caught out wide in the straight, well apart from the winner, but putting plenty of beef into his finish; has worked pleasingly at Epsom since and should be right at home over the new trip.

By Dubawi out of a much admired mare who won 13 races, including six Grade/Group 1s at up to about 1m, and who has bred a 1m6f Group 1 winner; became well seasoned during a 2yo career which ended with a hard-fought second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, soft) and has returned with two Group 3 wins at Leopardstown (1m2f; on good to yielding and good), the former from Lambourn and announcing new depths in the latter; still improving and he won't mind what the weather does.

Dam won five Group races at up to 1m4f and was touched off in the Irish Oaks; six 2yo runs yielded one win at 1m1f before seconds in Group races over 1m2f at Newmarket (good to soft) and Saint-Cloud (heavy); this new trip should suit but he dropped right out at Newmarket (1m1f) in April.