Derby field begins to take shape after 20 horses left in Epsom contention at latest entry stage

All the leading Betfred Derby contenders, including City Of Troy and Ambiente Friendly, were among 20 horses who remained in contention for the Epsom Classic following the five-day forfeits on Monday.

As expected, the Tom Clover-trained Tabletalk, a winner at Chelmsford this month, was supplemented at a cost of £75,000.   James Doyle has been booked to ride. 

Clover said: "He's an improving horse and he's worked better each time I've galloped him. I'm looking forward to running him. James Doyle is going to ride him and I expect he'll come and have a sit on him." 

Market leader City Of Troy heads Aidan O'Brien's team as he bids to bounce back from his 2,000 Guineas disappointment.

He is set to be joined in the line-up by Leopardstown Derby Trial winner Los Angeles and outsider Euphoric. While O'Brien said they are likely to be his only three runners, the Ballydoyle trainer has also left in Illinois, French 2,000 Guineas fourth Diego Velazquez and Portland.

Four Pricewise winners last weekend!

Ace tipster Tom Segal was on a hot run of form last weekend as he nailed 9-2 and 3-1 winners on Saturday before correctly advising the Group 1 double at the Curragh on Sunday thanks to 11-4 Fallen Angel in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and White Birch at 15-8 in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.

He will be back in the hotseat for the Betfred Oaks and Derby this weekend. Don’t miss his expert advice by signing up to Racing Post Members’ Club – and use code MEMBERS24 to get 50% off your first three months!

Leading British hopes Ambiente Friendly and Ancient Wisdom remain in contention as does French 2,000 Guineas runner-up Dancing Gemini, who pleased his trainer Roger Teal in a workout at the track last week.

Blue Riband Trial winner Bellum Justum could bid to complete a rare Epsom double for King Power. Amo Racing, who have twice had runners-up in the Derby in the last three years with King Of Steel and Mojo Star, have a three-strong team remaining.

Kia Joorachian's operation looks set to be headed by shock Ballysax Stakes winner Dallas Star, while the Dominic Ffrench Davis-trained duo Mr Hampstead and Padesha also remain in the race.

Owner Ahmad Al Shaikh could field outsiders Sayedaty Sadaty and Deira Mile, who runs under his Green Team Racing banner. Al Shaikh has come close to Derby glory on two occasions recently, with Hoo Ya Mal (2022) and Khalifa Sat (2020) both finishing second.

The two horses who were scratched at Monday's confirmations stage were the Roger Varian-trained Defiance and Ballydoyle's The Euphrates.

Betfred Derby confirmations

Ambiente Friendly James Fanshawe
Ancient Wisdom Charlie Appleby
Bellum Justum Andrew Balding
City Of Troy Aidan O'Brien
Dallas Star Adrian Murray
Dancing Gemini Roger Teal
Deira Mile Owen Burrows
Diego Velazquez Aidan O'Brien
Euphoric Aidan O'Brien
God's Window John and Thady Gosden
Illinois Aidan O'Brien
Kamboo Richard Hughes
Los Angeles Aidan O'Brien
Macduff Ralph Beckett
Mr Hampstead Dominic Ffrench Davies
Padesha Dominic Ffrench Davies
Portland Aidan O'Brien
Sayedaty Sadaty Andrew Balding
Tabletalk Tom Clover
Voyage Richard Hannon

Ladbrokes: 9-4 City Of Troy, 5 Ambiente Friendly, 11-2 Los Angeles, 7 Ancient Wisdom, 11 Dancing Gemini, 12 Diego Velazquez, 14 Macduff, 20 Bellum Justum, Illinois, Voyage, 25 bar 

Read these next. . .

City Of Troy and Los Angeles to be joined by 50-1 outsider as Aidan O'Brien readies three-strong Derby team 

Flashy chestnuts and pre-race court proceedings - Chris Cook on his five favourite Derbys 

'He handled the track beautifully' - Epsom workout has Roger Teal convinced of Derby bid for Dancing Gemini 

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