Derby confirmations and jockey bookings announced as big weekend looms

It's full steam ahead to this week's Epsom Classics, the Cazoo Derby and Cazoo Oaks, and Classic Clues, our series running every morning, has you covered. Here's a recap of the latest Classic news and how it's impacted the big-race betting.

Five-day Derby confirmations revealed

The five-day confirmations for the Cazoo Derby have been revealed, leaving 19 runners in contention for Saturday's Classic.

With big-priced outsiders ruled out of the race, favourite Bolshoi Ballet has tightened his hold on the top of the market at 13-8 from 7-4.

Aidan O'Brien still holds five other entries for the race, including second favourite High Definition, who has drifted to 5-1 (from 4-1) with bookmakers.

Kyprios, Sir Lamorak, The Mediterranean and Van Gogh round out the trainer's possibles.

Dante winner Hurricane Lane, Fairway Stakes John Leeper and the William Haggas-trained Mohaafeth remain prominent in the betting, along with Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney.

Joseph O’Brien’s sole runner in the race, Southern Lights, is a market mover, shortening to 33-1 (from 40-1).

Rounding out the field is the 200-1 longshot Seattle Sound, trained by Luke Comer, who only managed eighth at Roscommon on his second career start on Monday evening.

Cazoo Derby card and betting

Mac Swiney ready for Epsom trip

Rory Cleary, who partnered Mac Swiney to Irish 2,000 Guineas success, is confident ahead of the colt’s trip to Epsom on Saturday.

The dual Group 1 winner was last seen when an 8-1 winner over a mile at the Curragh, and will be stepping up four furlongs for the Derby.

Speaking on the Racing Post’s Racing Riot Podcast, Cleary said: "The further he was going, the better he was going to the line so I have no doubts he'll stay the bit further. He's got the right attitude and the ability, which is a big help."

Mac Swiney is now third favourite for the Classic, although has drifted slightly to 7-1 (from 11-2) with bookmakers.

Rory Clearly confident in Mac Swiney's stamina after Irish 2,000 Guineas winCredit: Patrick McCann/Racing Post

Jockeys claim their rides for the weekend Classics

With Derby confirmations settled, jockeys have begun to reveal their rides for the big race.

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy will ride the Charlie Appleby-trained Adayar, while Jim Crowley will continue to partner Mohaafeth, a 10-1 shot with bet365 who he has ridden in all but one of the colt's starts.

William Buick is set to ride Hurricane Lane, while Adam Kirby will partner John Leeper for the first time.

Silvestre de Sousa is booked for Lone Eagle, James Doyle on One Ruler, Andrea Atzeni on Third Realm, and Tom Marquand and Youth Spirit round out the partnerships.

The Ballydoyle running plans have yet to be revealed, although Ryan Moore has been hinted at for the favourite Bolshoi Ballet.

Epsom prepares for Derby Festival

Watering has begun at Epsom in advance of the weekend's Derby festival, after rain warnings have diminished for the coming days.

Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said: "If we’d sat back and did nothing to the track we’d be looking into going into a Classic on firm ground, which nobody wants. I’m no fan of overnight watering, so hopefully we can have nice going on Friday morning so we don’t have to turn on the taps that night."

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