Childhood Derby dream comes true for first-time rider Harry Bentley

Harry Bentley is looking forward to his first Investec Derby ride on Saturday – 23 years after cheering his brother's namesake to Epsom victory on TV as a five-year-old.

He will partner Max Vega for Ralph Beckett, bidding to emulate Padraig Beggy and Mickael Barzalona, who have both won the race at the first attempt in the past two decades.

The race means a lot to Bentley, who recalled: "My earliest Derby memory is the 1997 race, with Benny The Dip beating Silver Patriarch. I was five but I remember it very well, we had the racing on all the time at home and my brother's called Ben, which is probably the main reason I remember him winning.

"We actually knew the assistant at John Gosden's and we were lucky enough to see him at the yard a couple of weeks after. To come full circle and ride in the race is tremendous.

"I'm really looking forward to my first ride in the race. I've not got close to one before and any jockey would say it's fantastic eventually to get a spin round. I've ridden in some top races round the world and it definitely means a lot to ride in the Derby."

Max Vega is a best-priced 50-1 for the Derby but Bentley, who won last Saturday's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Caravan Of Hope, warned that his mount should not be taken lightly.

Max Vega scores an impressive win in the Zetland Stakes last autumnCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's an incredible test for any horse and on paper he wouldn't jump out as one of the fancied horses but any horse that can win the Zetland Stakes by three lengths going away has to be taken seriously," he said.

"His run at Kempton last month on face value didn't appear to be too eyecatching but the horses that have come out of the race have gone on to do very well. He'll definitely get the trip and he'll have a chance."

Like Bentley, Martin Harley has won many big races around the world and is delighted to be taking part in his first Derby on last month's Newbury debut winner Worthily. The John Gosden-trained colt, who is owned by George Strawbridge, available at 40-1.

Worthily (white cap) makes a winning debut under Martin Harley at NewburyCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"It's exciting to be riding in the Derby for the first time," he said. "You need the horse and you need the trainer to put you on and I'm really grateful to Mr Gosden and Mr Strawbridge for having the faith in me.

"It's one of the most prestigious races in the world and it's something jockeys dream of riding in. I was at Jim Bolger's when New Approach won and I remember all the excitement of the build-up, the hype in the yard and everything."

Harley was on board for Worthily's debut success and said: "He won well first time out and the form has been franked with the second winning at Haydock.

"He's been showing all the right signs at home that he's professional enough to take the chance of running him.

"It's been a difficult year and running straight from a maiden is not ideal but it's not the first time Mr Gosden has done something like this and he's shown before that he knows what a horse is capable of doing, so fingers crossed for a good run on Saturday."

Investec Derby betting

William Hill: 9-4 English King, 4 Kameko, 13-2 Mogul, Russian Emperor, 9 Vatican City, 16 Highland Chief, Pyledriver, 25 Armory, Mohican Heights, Serpentine, 33 bar

Investec Derby entries & betting

Read more on the Investec Derby:

Derby headache in store for Moore as O'Brien talks up chances of Mogul

'It's all systems go' – Dettori delighted after riding English King in key work

A year to remember continues for jockey Ben Curtis after Derby call-up

Stuart Riley assesses the Derby and Oaks as entries for both races are revealed

Owners back on course for Derby day with test fixtures set for Wednesday

Which jockeys will O'Brien turn to for his Classic squad at Epsom?

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets