Johnny Murtagh’s loss could well be Seamie Heffernan’s gain in tomorrows £1.25million Investec Derby, which looks sure to be an Irish benefit, with the aptly-named Fame And Glory leading the way home.

With Aidan O’Brien saddling six of the 13 runners, and fellow Irishman John Oxx represented by 2,000 Guineas winner Sea The Stars, British-trained runners look outclassed.

It is, though, a fascinating race and, although Murtagh, O’Brien’s number one pilot, has elected to partner Rip Van Winkle, my fancy is one of his stable-mates, Fame And Glory, the mount of Heffernan.

Unbeaten in four starts, Fame And Glory, a Group 1 winner last autumn, has won both his races this term in the style of a potentially top-class horse and this step up to a mile and a half looks sure to suit him perfectly.

Murtagh’s choice of Rip Van Winkle comes on the back of the colt’s encouraging fourth-placed effort in the 2,000 Guineas. The jockey clearly feels he’ll improve markedly for this extra distance and he ranks as a major danger.

O’Brien’s strength in depth is further advertised by the presence of four other worthy challengers, not least Black Bear Island, who won the Dante Stakes at York last month.

A brother of Derby winner High Chaparral, Black Bear Island will be ridden by Ryan Moore, who must be delighted to have picked up such a talented ‘spare’ ride.

In O’Brien’s way, primarily, is Sea The Stars, trained on the Curragh by Oxx, and already a Classic winner.

His victory in the 2,000 Guineas confirmed him as a horse out of the top drawer, and he had Gan Amhras (third) and Rip Van Winkle (fourth) behind him on that occasion.

A triple-winner, Sea The Stars, the mount of the hugely experienced Mick Kinane, clearly has class in abundance.

There is, though, a nagging doubt, he will be outstayed, perhaps by Fame And Glory.

The best of the British challenge probably comes from Crowded House, last year’s Racing Post Trophy winner. He, though, was bitterly disappointing in the Dante Stakes at York, won by Black Bear Island.

It promises to be a cracking race. My idea of the outcome is: 1 Fame And Glory, 2 Sea The Stars, 3 Rip Van Winkle, 4 Gan Amhras.

Tim Easterby can share in the honours at Epsom on Derby Day.

The Great Habton trainer sends Captain Dunne to the world-famous venue to contest the £75,000 Investec ‘Dash’ over the fastest five furlong course in the world.

Captain Dunne’s latest effort, when an encouraging second at Thirsk, should have teed him up nicely for his all-important target.

A double-figure draw will help his cause and, in a wide-open race, Captain Dunne should make a bold bid.

At Doncaster, John Quinn’s King Fingal carries the nap vote in the Society Lifestyle And Leisiure Magazine Handicap in which Graham Gibbons’ mount, a good fourth at York last month, can come out on top.


Racing selections

Epsom
1.25 Sam Sharp, 1.55 Mon Brav, 2.25 Red Dune, 3.00 Captain Dunne, 3.45 Fame And Glory, 4.30 Conquisto, 5.05 Aye Aye Digby.

Doncaster
2.05 Errigal Lad, 2.35 Mull Of Killough, 3.05 Amanda Carter, 3.35 King Fingal (NAP), 4.10 Love Match, 4.45 Avertor.

Tomorrow’s other meetings:
Hexham, Lingfield, Musselburgh, Newcastle and Worcester.

Today’s meetings:
Bath, Catterick, Doncaster, Epsom, Goodwood and Wolverhampton.