Thomas heads for Epsom

Thomasgainsborough (left) wins his maiden at Leopardstown
(Healy Racing Photos)

The 10-furlong conditions race has the added bonus this year of offering an automatic entry into the Derby itself, but a field of only six will take part.

These do not include Jim Bolger's Light Heavy, who is not in the Derby and had been considered for the race after winning the Ballysax Stakes, or O'Brien's unbeaten Imperial Monarch.

Thomas Gainsborough, who will be ridden by the trainer's son Joseph, won a Leopardstown maiden last October and was third in a decent Dundalk handicap over a mile on April 11.

Like O'Brien's representative, Roger Varian's Cameron Highland already has a Derby entry himself but will be looking to step up in class after an effortless victory at Redcar.

Richard Hannon's prior course winner Mister Music comes out quickly after his second-placed finish in last week's Feilden Stakes.

Unex Michelangelo, a Thirsk maiden winner for John Gosden last year, completes the sextet with the experienced pair Goldoni and Cravat.