Wells An Each-Way Derby Steal

With the first two Classics of the season only just done and dusted, it seems remarkable the Vodafone Derby takes centre stage in three weeks´ time.

Punters looking to snatch some value at this stage face an even harder task than usual, with running plans for many of the prominent fancies far from set in stone.

Aidan O´Brien has a very healthy recent record in the famous Epsom contest but trying to determine which of his possibles will line up is a difficult conundrum to solve.

So with some of the recognised trials still to be run ? and with 2006 Racing Post Trophy winner and current market leader Authorized yet to race this season - it seems prudent to get behind Mores Wells.

Kevin Prendergast´s charge is a most progressive youngster, having already shown classy form as a three-year-old and Epsom is firmly on his agenda.

Having made a promising introduction when second to an O´Brien hotpot on his only start as a juvenile, Mores Wells stayed on well to get off the mark first time out this year.

However, it was his subsequent victory in the 10-furlong Ballysax Stakes that confirmed he had every right to tackle the prestigious June 2 feature.

That particular trial has proved a race worth keeping a close eye on in the past, with Sinndar, Galileo and High Chaparral all scoring en route to Epsom.

Sent off at 12-1, Mores Wells showed guts and determination to grind out victory over some better-fancied rivals, while hinting the step up to 12 furlongs would suit ideally.

Among his vanquished foes that day was Jim Bolger´s Creachadoir and three O´Brien-trained horses, headed by Derby talking horse Macarthur.

While the first-named horse was thought to be unsuited by the step up in trip, his victories in Group Three contests either side give the form a solid feel.

And although Macarthur and subsequent Group Two scorer Anton Chekhov were making their first appearances of the season, there was no denying the authority with which Mores Wells scored.

One feels Prendergast´s charge will need to maintain his improvement if he is to carry off top honours in the Derby but there is every reason to believe he will.

Due to run in Sunday´s Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, it could pay to snap up some of the 16-1 on offer as that price will surely fall to single figures if Mores Wells scores again.

While other candidates are sure to appear in the next 10 days or so, it will not hurt to take a small each-way interest at this stage.

(C) PA Sport