A total of 102 sophomores remained engaged in the G1 Epsom Derby following Tuesday's scratching stage, headed by current 6-1 favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' John F Kennedy (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). The Magnier/Tabor/Smith and Flaxman Stables charge won the G3 Juvenile Turf S. at Leopardstown in September, the race that produced last year's Derby winner Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), who also hailed from the Ballydoyle yard of trainer Aidan O'Brien. O'Brien has sent out the last three winners of the Derby, and five in total, and has 21 entries remaining, including G2 Vintage S. winner Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and unbeaten G2 Beresford S. scorer Ol' Man River (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}). That Ballydoyle trio are the current top three betting choices.
All horses currently eligible for the Derby were entered as yearlings, and there are three sophomores prominent in the betting that are expected to be added at the second entry stage Apr. 7 at a cost of £8,000: G1 Racing Post Trophy winnerElm Park (GB) (Phoenix Reach {Ire}); G1 National S. victor and Cartier 2-year-old champion Gleneagles (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Khalid Abdullah's unbeaten G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Epicuris (GB) (Rail Link {GB}).
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