Santiago could chase treble with Derby tilt after Irish triumph

Aidan O’brien has not ruled out running Santiago, his Irish Derby winner, in Saturday’s Investec Derby.

In a regular year, the Derby comes before Royal Ascot and the Irish Derby but, having won the Queen’s Vase at Ascot and Ireland’s premier Classic on Saturday, Santiago could try for a unique treble.

Normally, colts are nominated for the Derby as yearlings and taken out, or added in, at various entry stages for varying amounts. This year, however, there is a one-off £10,000 entry today.

O’brien already has six pencilled in for Epsom: Mythical, Amhran Na Bhfiann, Russian Emperor, Mogul, Vatican City and Armory. Santiago will have to show the trainer in an early-morning canter that he is suffering no after-effects of two quick runs.

However, according to the trainer, ultimately it is the Coolmore triumvirate of John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor who will make the final decision.

“It’s very possible,” O’brien told the Luck on Sunday show on Racing TV. “We’ll see what everybody thinks. If any of the horses come out of the race exceptionally well and they want them to have an entry, that’s what will happen.”

Santiago gave O’brien a 14th Irish Derby at the Curragh and led home a 1-2-3-4 for Ballydoyle.

Highland Chief, winner of the Golden Gates Handicap at Ascot with top weight, will be ridden by Andrea Atzeni in the Derby. The colt is generally a 16-1 shot and was ridden by Rossa Ryan at Ascot.