O’Brien mum on Derby team

Aidan O’Brien is playing his cards close to his chest ahead of the running of the 2009 Epsom Derby next weekend.

The Irish trainer has such a strong team headed into the race that some are predicting that he may become the first flat racing trainer in history to see his entries clean out the top 5 positions in an English Classic.

Prime Ballydoyle contenders for the Epsom Derby include Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner, Fame And Glory,  Dante Stakes winner Black Bear Island, Lingfield Derby trial winner Age Of Aquarius, Chester Vase winner Golden Sword and 2000 Guineas fourth-palced finisher Rip Van Winkle.

O’Brien is stalling on naming which of his thoroughbreds will go for glory at the Epsom Derby. The trainer has pronounced himself happy with the form of all his contenders, but is set to make punters wait longer for the confirmation of his Derby team.

“The ones that didn’t win their trials still ran well so it’s so far so good,” O’Brien told At the Races. “We’ll just see what will happen in the next week to 10 days. Everyone is saying that Fame And Glory was the most impressive winner and obviously we see the same as everybody else sees.”