Three things we learned when Aidan O'Brien opened his doors ahead of the Derby

Aidan O'Brien opened the doors of his Ballydoyle base to the press on Monday, hot on the heels of a sensational week that yielded Classic trial winners at Chester, Lingfield and Leopardstown. Here are some nuggets of interest that emerged from the media morning as the countdown to Epsom continues . . .

Early education gives Classic hopes an edge

A noteworthy theme to emerge from this season's Classic trials is how many of O'Brien's three-year-olds have progressed considerably from their juvenile form.

Runaway Leopardstown scorer Stone Age went 0-5 as a two-year-old but has started the current campaign with back-to-back wins, while Chester Vase winner Changingoftheguard was beaten in three maidens last year but has also won both starts in 2022.

Changingoftheguard: could be in a team of six for the Cazoo DerbyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien said he wasn't worried by the pair failing to get a win on the board last term and explained how he has brought the Epsom contenders along gradually to progress at three.

He said: "We could have made them win at two if we wanted, but we always treat two as an education for three. Stone Age even ran over seven [furlongs]. He had Group form at two, to expose to breeders that he was a very good two-year-old."

There is quality and quantity in Epsom squad

O'Brien holds the record for most runners representing one trainer in a Group 1 race after sending out eight in the 2007 Derby and he revealed on Monday that he could saddle six in this year's Cazoo-backed feature – despite Luxembourg missing the race due to injury.

It was suggested that Ryan Moore will find it difficult not to ride Stone Age after his Derby Trial success on Sunday, while the likes of Changingoftheguard, United Nations, Star Of India, Point Lonsdale and Bluegrass are also under consideration for the prize. A tilt at the Prix du Jockey Club was also mentioned as a possibility for Point Lonsdale.

Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Tenebrism may be 8-1 second favourite for the Commonwealth Cup with many firms after failing to deliver her best in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, but O'Brien is not ruling out another crack at a mile in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Aidan O'Brien: has won the Cazoo Derby on a record eight occasionsCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"We felt the 1,000 Guineas was a bit of a non-event for her," said the master trainer.

"Ryan said she was trapped between a couple of them for the first three furlongs and that didn't help him to ride her the way he wanted to. We felt we didn't get a clear answer on whether she gets the mile, so we'd like to give her another shot at it."

O'Brien added: "She has a bit of a stone bruise at the minute, but we think it'll be gone in a few days. We'll be aiming to get her to the Irish 1,000 Guineas."

O'Brien is constantly innovating – and winning

They say standing still is the quickest way to fall behind and the Ballydoyle team appear to leave no stone unturned in a bid to remain at the top of their game.

New this season to the Tipperary base are speedometers on the gallops, installed so that O'Brien can see the speed of his horses displayed on a board while they gallop past him.

O'Brien suggested the Flat scene has never been more competitive than it is now and relishes the competition with his sons Joseph and Donnacha.

Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle base was open to the press on Monday morningCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: "We always do our best to win no matter what. Always. But I'm always happy if they beat us. They're rivals, 100 per cent, but I'm always delighted when we get beaten by them. Believe me, though, there's no inch given anywhere. That's our job."

O'Brien added: "I can learn a lot from them. There's no substitute for a young mind. That's what I love about them. I would be watching what they would be doing and thinking to myself, 'We could add that to ours'. Joseph is doing plenty different to what we do here.

"There are loads of young trainers coming through everywhere, which is great. It's really competitive. I think we have great young trainers here and in England. There are no easy races anywhere anymore."

Read these next:

'Ryan will find it hard not to ride Stone Age' – Aidan O'Brien on his Derby team

'Competition focuses your mind and drives you on, you can't get complacent'

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