The trials have been run - so who do our experts fancy for the 2022 Cazoo Derby?

'I will be taking on Desert Crown'

Desert Crown might prove the best three-year-old colt around after his superb Dante display and he is the right Derby favourite. However, I would worry about backing a horse going into Epsom at a short price after only two runs. I will be taking him on regardless of how impressive he was at York.

We are yet to see the best of the Charlie Hills-trained Sonny Liston, who is available at 66-1. Sonny Liston is a free-goer but there is plenty of ability there. Although beaten two and a half lengths by Star Of India in the Dee Stakes at Chester, Sonny Liston shaped just as well as the winner as he squandered a lot of ground around the home turn. This Lawman colt should relish a mile and a half.
Robbie Wilders, The Ante-Postman

Desert Crown new 2-1 Cazoo Derby favourite after dazzling Dante win

'I like the prospects of United Nations'

The Derby was dealt a blow when Luxembourg was ruled out, given he looked to be the one horse in the race with some real star quality. Fortunately, the Classic received a boost with Desert Crown’s victory and you would have to be excited about his prospects at Epsom.

On pedigree he should stay the trip and would appear likely to improve fitness-wise too. He will need to come forward mentally as, while he has a good temperament, he displayed clear signs of inexperience at York.

I also like the prospects of United Nations, who has experience of Epsom and showed a good attitude when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial in a good time. He has the feel of a Treasure Beach, the 2011 Derby runner-up, about him – a solid contender who should give his running.
Peter Scargill, reporter

Watch: Desert Crown's impressive win in the Dante

'Race may play to strengths of Piz Badile'

Between Stone Age and Desert Crown, it’s a tough choice to make at the head of affairs. Perhaps Desert Crown is the one to side with after winning the Dante in good style, but neither is for me.

Piz Badile: won the Ballysax trialCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

A proper galloping contest will test them both but may play to the strengths of Piz Badile. The battling qualities he portrayed to get back up to win the Ballysax are exactly what is needed to win a Derby, and he is sure to progress again going up to a mile and a half.

He's a beautifully balanced colt, suggesting the undulations of Epsom will suit. He's reminiscent of Harzand, the last Ballysax winner to go on and win the Derby, when battling tenaciously to give Pat Smullen his crown jewel. You can bet your hat Piz Badile will do the same.
Brian Dowling, reporter

'Piz Badile may have achieved more'

Desert Crown showed plenty of dash to land the Dante and, given the running styles of several of Aidan O’Brien's trial winners, I think we can expect Ballydoyle to try to turn this year’s Derby into a true test of stamina.

It might not be enough to stop the Stoute express, but one horse who should relish an end-to-end gallop is Piz Badile, who got tapped for toe against Buckaroo in the Ballysax before surging back at him on the line.

That looks the deepest trial to me and Piz Badile may have achieved more with that short-head victory than those in front of him in the betting who won their preps by further.
Scott Burton, France correspondent

'Desert Crown will do for me'

No need to go back to the Stone Age, that performance from Desert Crown in the Dante will do for me.

Sir Michael Stoute's record with his previous Dante winners in the Derby reads 177123, and don't forget Workforce, who finished second on the Knavesmire before going on to score at Epsom.

Desert Crown's performance was as good as any of Stoute's previous York winners, and the runner-up is a top yardstick having beaten 2,000 Guineas victor Coroebus last season. The bookmakers are taking no chances but I'd be disappointed if he didn't go very close next month.
James Hill, tipster

Read these next:

The first since Frankel? How Baaeed could break a decade-long barrier

Classic quotes: 'At this stage Enable won at Chester and she's probably in the same park'

New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets. New customers only. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 2 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.