Epsom Derby: Key Trainers to watch ahead of the Classics The Derby Festival at Epsom is just days away, with the second instalment of Britain's Classics due to take place this coming weekend across Friday and Saturday. There will be Group 1 action aplenty, alongside some tough handicaps and the famous Epsom Dash races all built around Friday's Oaks and the Derby itself on Saturday afternoon. We're picking out some form trainers to follow with Epsom looming. BoyleSports Betting Offer If you already have a BoyleSports account, check out more of the best betting sites and casino bonuses Richard Hannon Trainer Richard Hannon has his string in fine fettle of late, the Marlborough handler boasting a 22 per-cent strike-rate from 50 runners over the fortnight leading towards Epsom. He is set to send out Nightime Dancer in Saturday's Derby, the Ghaiyyath colt having run third in last month's Lingfield Trial won by Puppet Master. A day earlier, Mr Baloo and Odin Legacy are among his possible handicap contenders, while Norman's Cay and Raakeb have entries in the Woodcote Stakes. Persica could bid to make the perfect start on Derby day in the Diomed Stakes, while Hannon also counts Great Bedwyn and Schemaya among his possible Epsom contenders for Saturday. Charlie Appleby Newmarket trainer Charlie Appleby commands maximum respect right now. He won both the Guineas' races last month and has leading Classic contenders for Epsom via those winners, Ruling Court (Derby) and Desert Flower (Oaks). Appleby's recent strike-rate sits at a handsome 40 per-cent with six winners from his last 15 runners. Rising Power in the Woodcote, Ancient Wisdom in the Coronation Cup and Hallasan in the Surrey Stakes are just some of the other Epsom-bound contenders for this in-form trainer. Ed Walker Things could scarcely be going better for trainer Ed Walker. The long dry spell made life tricky at the trainer's yard in Upper Lambourn until recently but things have come good. Mgheera won the Temple Stakes at Haydock towards the end of May, while Almaqam obliged in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown soon after. Last Saturday, Walker enjoyed a stunning 70 minutes with a trio of big-race successes. It kicked off with Balmoral Lady landing the Listed Achilles Stakes at Haydock and then Scenic collecting the Bronte Cup at York. The perfect afternoon was crowned when Ten Bob Tony survived a stewards' inquiry to win the John of Gaunt Stakes on Merseyside after a real battle with Kinross. "I've won Group 1s before but I have to say this has been a special day and special week. Long may it continue," was the trainer's appraisal of that afternoon. Walker said last month he would be inclined "to roll the dice" at Epsom after Qilin Queen entered the reckoning for the Betfred Oaks following her victory in the Childwickbury Stud Fillies' Trial Stakes at Newbury. She got a fine front-running ride from Hollie Doyle that day and just had enough in the tank to fend off Revoir at the finish. There could be more to come from here as she goes up in trip/class in the fillies' Classic. With a recent strike-rate showing just under 30 per-cent from 27 runners, Walker will head to Epsom with high hopes. He also has Rose Prick and Queen's Reign among the possible contenders in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday afternoon as he seeks to continue his hot streak.
