Derby gamble on US Army gathers pace The Investec Derby gamble on US Army Ranger has continued to gather pace following the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt's taking maiden success at the Curragh on Sunday. Unraced as a two-year-old, the son of Galileo did not go off as favourite in the 10-furlong contest, such was the word on track for Dermot Weld's fellow newcomer Aasheq. In the race itself, Ryan Moore produced US Army Ranger with a perfectly-timed run to collar Weld's charge, who lost little in defeat. Bookmakers immediately took further evasive action having seen money during the week, and on Monday Coral halved his price from 14-1 to 7-1 for the Epsom Classic on June 4. Spokesman David Stevens said: "US Army Ranger was an interesting Investec Derby market mover in the lead up to his Curragh appearance, but since his debut victory it has been one-way traffic for the colt and Epsom. "His price has contracted at all rates from 14-1 down to his current 7-1, and we'll await his next racecourse test with interest." Ladbrokes are also 7-1 about his Classic chance, having been 10-1 after the Curragh and 16-1 beforehand. David Williams said: "The gamble on US Army Ranger is well and truly under way. "Punters saw enough at the Curragh to believe this could be the middle-distance Ballydoyle superstar of the summer." Speaking after the race, O'Brien indicated either the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial or a trip to Chester would be the next step for US Army Ranger.
