HOW RACE IS SHAPING UP

ENTRIES for the Classic are normally made when contenders are yearlings, with two later possible entry points including an £85,000 supplementary stage six days before the race. Because of Covid-19, all previous entries have been scrapped.

An entry fee of £10,000 now must be paid tomorrow. The maximum field is 20 runners.

OTHER LEADING DERBY HOPES

ENGLISH KING Trainer Ed Walker The 5-2 favourite after an impressive win in the Lingfield Derby Trial. Frankie Dettori booked to ride. KAMEKO Andrew Balding Possesses the outstanding form line after winning the 2,000 Guineas over a mile but there are stamina doubts. MOGUL Aidan O’Brien Long-touted as O’Brien’s big hope but plenty to prove after his disappointing fourth to Pyledriver at Royal Ascot. RUSSIAN EMPEROR Aidan O’Brien Shortest priced of Ballydoyle contingent after finishing strongly to win the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. HIGHLAND CHIEF Oliver & Paul Cole Possesses untapped potential and powered home in the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot. VATICAN CITY Aidan O’Brien Finished strongly for second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Breeding suggests he’s not guaranteed to stay.