'This was always the plan' - analysis and quotes for another key Derby trial

Sunday: 4.35 Leopardstown
Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3) | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV4/RTV

It's been 20 years since this race, previously sponsored by Derrinstown Stud, produced a Derby winner in High Chaparral, but plenty have used this race as a launchpad to go close at Epsom in the interim.

Alamshar and The Great Gatsby (2003), Fracas (2005), Dylan Thomas (2006), Casual Conquest (2008), Fame And Glory (2009), At First Sight (2010), Memphis Tennessee (2011), Battle Of Marengo (2013), Idaho (2016) and Broome (2019) have all featured prominently in the Derby after lining up here, so this is clearly a race worth paying attention to with June 4 in mind.

Given Aidan O'Brien's sensational dominance in Derby trials, it will be fascinating to see where Stone Age fits in the Classic pecking order after this Group 3.

Atomic Jones (near side): won the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes over Stone Age (green silks) here last SeptemberCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

The Ballydoyle maestro has saddled an average of three runners in each of the last six runnings of this race - sending out the 1-2-3 or 1-2 on four occasions during that period - but relies on just one this time.

Stone Age's rating of 109 is the highest on offer here, having finished second in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud last October, but the general 12-1 chance for Derby glory is set to be strongly tested here.

Atomic Jones, trained by Ger Lyons, edged out the Ballydoyle contender by a head in the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes here when last seen in September and he looks a colt of considerable potential.

This trip could prove his optimum, but his lack of a recent run isn't ideal against the likes of French Claim, who bolted up in calmer waters at Cork last month.

It's possible that the best of Paddy Twomey's contender may be seen on slightly slower ground, and over a touch further, but he still commands plenty of respect.

Dermot Weld is seeking a tenth win in this race and has solid claims with last season's Group 3 Eyrefield Stakes winner Duke De Sessa.

Duke De Sessa (nearside): got the better of leading Cazoo Derby hope Piz Badile in last year's Eyrefield StakesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Improvement will be required from his comeback third in the Ballysax Stakes five weeks ago, but the form of that contest has been boosted since with runner-up Buckaroo landing the Tetrarch Stakes impressively.

Manu Et Corde finished down the field in the Ballysax and needs to rediscover his best juvenile form to have a say, while Great Max didn't show enough on his Cork reappearance behind French Claim to be a major player.

Given he has a run under his belt, is proven around the track and over this trip, boasts the highest rating and represents a jockey and trainer in spectacular form, Stone Age looks the most solid option.

O'Brien: This was always the plan for Stone Age

Nobody has a better record in this race than Aidan O'Brien, who has plundered the prize on a phenomenal 14 occasions since 1998.

Having won four of the last five runnings, the master trainer says this Group 3 has been the plan for Stone Age since winning a Navan maiden by nine lengths in March, shedding his previous title as the highest-rated maiden in Ireland.

Aidan O'Brien on Stone Age: 'He came into this year as a maiden so we he went to Navan and were delighted to see him do what he did'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien said: "He had some very nice runs last season and ran in some very good races. He came into this year as a maiden so we went to Navan and were delighted to see him do what he did.

"Everything has gone well with him since, we're very happy. This was always the plan to come here after Navan."

What they say

Dermot Weld, trainer of Duke De Sessa
He's in good form and I'm satisfied with him. It's a good renewal and he's well going into it.

Paddy Twomey, trainer of French Claim
He's got a nice draw [in stall one]. This is a very good race but hopefully it will give us an indication as to what direction we should go with him for the rest of the season. He's in good form. I'd imagine a mile and a half, or even a mile and six furlongs, isn't going to be a problem for him. At this stage of his career, a mile and a quarter is probably his bare minimum.

French Claim: out to follow up an impressive win at Cork last monthCredit: David Keane (racingpost.com/photos)

Andy Oliver, trainer of Glory Daze
He won his maiden well so this was the next viable option for him. There are no conditions races suitable so while it's a big step up, it's where he has to go next. He has done well since.

Michael O'Callaghan, trainer of Great Max
We're still learning about him. He needed the run badly at Cork three weeks ago and is continuing to improve. He did his best bit of work since joining us during the week. He does have an entry in the Irish Derby and being out of a Youmzain mare – remembering that Youmzain finished second in the Arc three times – you'd think he'd have a good chance of staying. They have always thought of him as that profile of horse. Ten furlongs around the bend at Leopardstown might suit him.

Read Sunday's previews:

4.05 Leopardstown: Irish 1,000 Guineas clues may emerge as Agartha bids to enhance Classic claims

5.05 Leopardstown: 'We think he's progressing' - Aidan O'Brien-trained Ivy League seeking hat-trick

5.18 Hamilton: 'That's not ideal' - how will the draw impact on a fast and furious sprint?

6.18 Hamilton: 'The prize-money is so good' - which stayer can claim Hamilton riches?

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