Aidan O’Brien to have six Derby runners

Trainer Aidan O’Brien has six likely runners taking on the favourite Cracksman in the Derby at Epsom

Trainer Aidan O’Brien is expected to have six runners in the Epsom Derby as he attempts to win the Classic for a sixth time.

Ryan Moore is likely to ride Cliffs Of Moher who is disputing favouritism with the Mark Johnston-trained Cracksman for Saturday’s race.

O’Brien will also saddle Chester Vase one-two-three Venice Beach, Wings Of Eagles and the Anvil, as well as the first and third from the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, Douglas Macarthur and Capri.

Finn McCool is still in the mix but unlikely to run.

“The three horses that ran in the Chester Vase all ran great races, we thought, and we were very happy with the horse in the Dee Stakes (Cliffs Of Moher).”O’Brien said.

“Ryan doesn’t have to make up his mind until Thursday morning. We’ll go through all the horses and everything will be discussed. I wouldn’t say anything is written in stone yet.”

O’Brien has made a clean sweep of the Classic races so far winning both the Irish and English 2000 and 1000 Guineas.

He will have Rhododendron and Alluringly in Friday’s Oaks.