RYAN CAN LAND SPOILS ON WARRIOR

THE DERBY has been known to throw up a few surprises, including last year’s 40-1 winner Wings Of Eagles, but this year it is very hard to look past red-hot favourite Saxon Warrior. Initially there were ground concerns, but now things are drying out there shouldn’t be too much to trouble the 10-11 shot. The big negative is the draw in stall one, which has not produced a Derby winner this century. However, with just 12 runners, it may not have such a great impact. Ryan Moore should have no problem steering Saxon Warrior into the right position. Aidan O’Brien’s 2000 Guineas champion comes here with the Triple Crown in his sights, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Nijinsky in 1970. Ladbrokes make him 11-4 to follow in Nijinsky’s footsteps, while his trainer has been chalked up at 7-2 to train the first two in the Derby. First he must see off 11 rivals including Young Rascal and Hazapour. Chester Vase winner Young Rascal is expected to be very popular come the off. He is second favourite at 7-1 and looks to have a bit more potential than the others. The William Haggas hopeful will suit the conditions, with positive vibes coming from his camp. Each-way punters have been searching for value and the buzz horse has been Dermot Weld-trained Hazapour. His Derrinstown Trial performance was excellent, so it’s easy to see why he has caught punters’ attention. He has a lovely draw in stall three and, with Frankie Dettori in the saddle, his odds are expected to keeping shortening. At a bigger price, Saxon Warrior’s stablemate Kew Gardens could outrun his odds of 25-1. The vibes surrounding him have been positive and he has enough stamina to run into a place. Enjoy the spectacle!