Ballydoyle team walk Epsom

Aidan O´Brien, John Magnier, Jamie Spencer and David Nagle flew into Epsom yesterday afternoon and enjoyed an early evening walk around the Derby course.

O´Brien, philosophic about having to withdraw ante-post favourite Yeats from Saturday´s Vodafone Derby, praised the Epsom ground.

He said: 'It is perfect ground, but it is a good job that they have been watering, otherwise it would be too firm.

'I would like a drop of rain but, even if it stays dry, the ground will be safe and that is all we ask.'

Assessing the chances of his three fillies in today´s Vodafone Oaks, O´Brien added: 'All Too Beautiful is a big filly but a wonderful mover. She is well balanced and I would be hopeful that she would handle the track.

'Necklace has solid form and we always thought she would improve for stepping up in trip, and the same can be said for Kisses For Me.'

Spencer confessed that he has always been in love with All Too Beautiful, his Oaks ride.

He said: 'She is a really smashing filly and she will love that ground out there - it is absolutely perfect. I think she has a terrific chance.'

Reflecting on the disappointment of Yeats, O´Brien said: 'That´s racing, but who knows we might be back here in 12 month´s time talking about his chances in the Vodafone Coronation Cup.'

In Yeats´ absence, Meath is Ballydoyle´s only representative in the Vodafone Derby, and O´Brien said: 'He is a hardy horse and has done nothing wrong. We hope he´ll run well.'