Derby preview

In just two weeks time the Epsom Downs will be packed to the rafters with wide-eyed punters, eagerly awaiting this year's Blue Riband, "The Derby". The final major trial took place at York earlier this week, and so, as Sir David Frost would say, "All the clues are there",

With the defection of Teofilo, Authorized became what you might call a surrogate favourite. However, following a scintillating performance in the Dante, he is now a worthy market leader. What is most frightening for his rivals is that, according to reports, he wasn't 100% fit! We may have a new superstar in our midst.

Now what of his rivals? Marcus Tregoning knows what it takes to land the "big one", having saddled last year's winner Sir Percy. His entry Aqaleem displayed much improved form to land the Lingfield Derby trial with a terrific turn of foot and he is still open to further progression. Aidan O'Brien probably had more original entries than anyone and still holds a strong contingent. The pick of his runners looks to be impressive Derrinstown Stud winner Archipenko, but his outsiders have been popping up in some of the big races and so it is hard to select anything of his with confidence.

One trainer seeking his first success in the big race is David Elsworth, who holds Salford Mill in very high regard. This son of Peintre Celebre was a clear cut winner of a Listed race at Newmarket last time and is David's best chance of landing the prize for many a year.

There are one or two others to consider, including Strategic Prince, who was staying on at one pace in the Guineas, but after absorbing all the information available we have to give you the clearance to back Authorized.