O´Brien Derby Plans In The Balance

Aidan O´Brien remains tight-lipped over his Vodafone Derby squad at Epsom on Saturday.

The Ballydoyle handler currently has nine runners in the frame for Classic glory as he bids to win the blue-riband for a third time.

However, that number is set to be reduced by at least one.

'Chinese Whisper will definitely go to France (for French Derby),' said O´Brien.

'We´ll definitely run more than one at Epsom but a lot of it will depend on the way the ground is going to go.

'Of the other eight, Eagle Mountain is definitely in the picture.

'While he handles fast ground, he also handles an ease.'

Admiralofthefleet, Acapulco, Anton Chekhov, Archipenko, Yellowstone, Mahler and Soldier Of Fortune complete O´Brien´s list of possibles for the premier Classic.

The Ballydoyle maestro also had news on the soon-to-return George Washington, who is being primed for a crack at the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

O´Brien added: 'He´s coming along fine and we´re still hoping to have him back for Royal Ascot.'

(C) PA Sport