The 241st Epsom Derby takes place on Saturday. Here, Marlborough takes you through each of the runners and gives his verdict on who will win.
Adayar
Long-striding, consistent son of Frankel who has placed in two recognised Derby trials. Tough draw, fast ground a concern and likely to appreciate further than 1m4f; perhaps best watched.
Bolshoi Ballet
Powerful galloper whose 6 length romp in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial deservedly rocketed him to the head of the Derby market. Sole Coolmore representative; the one to beat.
Gear Up
Group 1 winner on heavy ground last year. Seasonal reappearance in Dante saw him come up short; this trip will suit but too much to find here.
Hurricane Lane
Dante Stakes winner who has yet to be beaten in 3 career starts. Drying ground is a touch concerning; otherwise he has plenty going for him here.
John Leeper
Imposing colt whose raw talent has thrust him into the Derby picture. Will this test come too soon in his development, especially with the forecast drying ground? Possibly best watched.
Mac Swiney
Dual Group 1 winner whose record on good ground or faster reads 5984 versus a soft ground record of 1111. This trip can help but drying ground surely a major concern; best watched.
Mohaafeth
Strong-travelling colt who has come alive on fast ground this year. Drying ground a plus but not certain to relish this trip as well as some of his rivals; live chance nevertheless.
Mojo Star
Runner-up on both career starts in maiden/novice company. This major step up in class likely a bridge too far and will do very well to make his presence felt; outsider.
One Ruler
Finished a respectable 6th in the 2000 Guineas, historically a strong pointer for this race. Major stamina doubts stepping up 4 furlongs in distance; will do well to figure.
Southern Lights
Suffered interference when staying on behind Bolshoi Ballet at Leopardstown latest. Can show more here up in trip, but surely has too much to find with some of these.
Third Realm
Looked potentially high-class in winning the Lingfield Derby Trial on soft ground at just his 3rd start. Must now translate that form to firmer ground; live chance nevertheless.
Youth Spirit
Strong-staying winner of the Chester Vase, a race that has had a sizeable bearing on the Derby in recent years. Drying ground should be fine and stamina assured; rates a lively outsider.
Our tip to win
Bolshoi Ballet
It speaks volumes that, having had 6 horses entered prior to the final declarations, Coolmore have elected to field just one runner here in the shape of Bolshoi Ballet, a thoroughly uncomplicated colt who has passed his two tests this season with flying colours. Bolshoi Ballet is sure to sit handy throughout and, with stamina assured, he can take plenty of pegging back. Of the remainder, Youth Spirit makes appeal as an each-way alternative: 7 of the last 9 runnings of the Chester Vase have produced a colt to finish in the first 3 in the Derby, including 2 winners. The same connections finished runner-up in the Derby last year and look to hold another live chance here.