ITEM bids to become the 12th horse to land the Dante/Derby double, and the first Juddmonte-owned Derby winner since Workforce in 2010. Item brings his unbeaten record to this ultimate test of speed and stamina. The son of Frankel ran out a convincing scorer at York last time, indicating his class, and he looks capable of further improvement, for a trainer who aims to give trainer Andrew Balding a first Derby success.

ANCIENT EGYPT is one to note for a placing, for trainer Charlie Johnston. The Frankel colt is 3-4, including a dominant Newmarket Listed win over 1m2f last time. He handled the dip at the Rowley Mile course well that day, displaying fine balance, which will stand him in good stead at Epsom’s unique downhill venue. Ancient Egypt is likely to appreciate the rise to 1m4f too, as his dam is a sister to Group One winner, Midday. The selection reminds me of Dee Ex Bee, who ran a mighty race to finish 2nd, in the 2018 Derby. The trainer also finished 2nd last year at 50-1.

PIERRE BONNARD is definitely not one to dismiss lightly, for the all-conquering Aidan O’Brien stable. Despite having a seemingly stronger runner at the head of the market, the yard is notorious for landing this prestigious race with varied priced horses, including some at big prices, such as Serpentine (25/1 in 2020) and Wings Of Eagles (40/1 in 2017). Pierre Bonnard was a classy juvenile, who won a Group One as a two-year-old. His three-year-old career has yet to take-off, admittedly, with a pair of disappointing efforts, but his trainer has stated that he returned to training as a big and strong frame - suggesting that those two runs would have him at peak fitness for this huge target.