The Derby winner or another Bolshoi Ballet? Our experts' views on Stone Age

Stone Age blitzed his rivals in Leopardstown's Derby Trial on Sunday afternoon and was immediately catapulted to Cazoo Derby favouritism on the back of his stablemate Luxembourg being ruled out of the Epsom Classic. But is he your idea of the Derby winner? Our experts have their say. . .

'His danger could be an end-to-end gallop'

Haven't we been here before? Stone Age did a very passable impression of last year's Leopardstown Trial winner Bolshoi Ballet, who was allowed to go to Epsom as the sole Ballydoyle representative off the back of a six-length win only to be struck into early in the Derby itself.

With three trial winners queuing up to join him, it seems less likely that Stone Age will be sent on a solo mission by Aidan O'Brien. He looks to have more brilliance than his three stablemates and looks the right favourite.

His main danger could be an end-to-end gallop and a real test of stamina, in which a horse like Piz Badile or Changingoftheguard could end up playing High Chaparral to his Hawk Wing.
Scott Burton, French correspondent

'I'm getting Bolshoi Ballet vibes - but Stone Age could prove the answer'

He will be hard to beat on the basis of what he did on Sunday. The way he galloped through the line suggests he is a proper Derby horse, and is probably the right favourite.

Stone Age puts a yawning gap between himself and the rest of the Leopardstown fieldCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

However, I'm getting slight Bolshoi Ballet vibes and nothing leaps off the page in his pedigree, besides the fact he is by Galileo.

He seems to have progressed magnificently from two to three, and the way Ryan Moore spoke about him post-race will only fill his backers with confidence. A proper galloping challenge will test him and play into Piz Badile or Changingoftheguard's hands, but there was lots to like about what he did on Sunday, and he may well prove the answer.
Brian Dowling, reporter

'Stone Age the clear pick for O'Brien now'

Exit Luxembourg, enter Stone Age. That was as impressive a Derby trial as you can expect to see. Ryan Moore kept it simple out in front and the way he was able to find more on the turn for home confirms he will be a high-class colt this season.

Watch the replay of Stone Age's impressive Leopardstown win

I struggled to see past Luxembourg in the Derby after his mighty run in an excellent Guineas, and I still believe he will emerge the best of the Aidan O'Brien three-year-olds, but this one looks the clear pick in the Derby at this stage.

From a betting angle, I feel Walk Of Stars is a great each-way bet. He ran a fine trial at Lingfield, is learning all the time and clearly has a lot of ability.
James Stevens, reporter

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