Aidan O’Brien pulls six horses out of the Epsom Derby as Classic field is whittled down to 21
LEGENDARY trainer Aidan O’Brien pulled six horses out of the Derby at the latest scratching stage – leaving 21 in the world’s most famous Flat race.
The Ballydoyle handler will go all guns blazing with 7-4 favourite City Of Troy on Saturday week.
He has a lofty reputation to rebuild after flopping completely when sent off hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas.
But O’Brien insists he has been working well at home and goes to Epsom confident the son of Justify can give him a record-extending tenth win in the race.
As it stands, City Of Troy will be joined by the undefeated Los Angeles who was last seen winning the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown earlier this month.
While also set to make the trip over is Diego Velazquez – who Templegate thinks has the potential to run a big race.
Illinois, Euphoric, Portland and The Euphrates were also left in on Monday’s scratching stage.
But there was no room for six Ballydoyle inmates.
Henry Longfellow was disappointing in the French 2000 Guineas earlier this month and was kept in the Irish 2000 Guineas.
But O’Brien reckons the St James’s Palace Stakes at next month’s Royal Ascot is the logical next port of call for the Dubawi colt.
There was no room either for Capulet, Gasper De Lemos, Grosvenor Square, London City or Ortelius.
Some eight of the 21 remaining entries are from Ireland.
A decision on whether Economics will race at a cost £75,000 is to be left until the last minute.
Trainer William Haggas is not so sure the impressive Dante winner is the right type to handle Epsom’s rollercoaster ride.
While Ambiente Friendly found himself at the centre of a storm after owners the Gredley Family jocked off Callum Shepherd in favour of Rab Havlin.
Betfred Derby odds
7-4 City Of Troy
4-1 Ambiente Friendly
5-1 Los Angeles
10-1 Ancient Wisdom
12-1 Diego Velazquez, Macduff
14-1 Dancing Gemini
16-1 Bellum Justum, Voyage
20-1 Illinois
25-1 Defiance
33-1 Bar
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