O’Brien strong heading into Epsom Derby

Aidan O’Brien will go into the 2009 Epsom Derby with a powerful contingent of thoroughbreds.

The Irish trainer may contribute up to half the field as he goes in search of a  third Derby win, and his entries will include a number of thoroughbreds who have excelled in the early-season Epsom Derby trials.

Amongst his more promising entries are Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial

winner, Fame And Glory, and Dante Stakes winner Black Bear Island. Also in contention are Age Of Aquarius and Rip Van Winkle.

“We’ll just see what will happen in the next week or 10 days,” O’Brien told At The Races. “Everyone is saying that Fame And Glory was the most impressive winner and obviously we see the same as everybody else sees.”

“Rip Van Winkle ran in the Guineas and we were very happy with his run. He had an interrupted preparation for the Guineas and ran a real good race. Since then he pulled off a shoe and was a little bit tender for a few days but other than that everything was fine with him.”

“He’s a very balanced horse with a lot of natural speed. He’s got a great stride and is a very determined horse, so you wouldn’t think there should be any problems with Epsom.”