Derby Decision Time Looms For Fallon

Kieren Fallon is due partner each of Aidan O'Brien's four Vodafone Derby contenders this week as he tries to make the unenviable decision of which to ride in the big race at Epsom on Saturday.

O'Brien has Dante winner Septimus as well as the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial first and second, Dylan Thomas and Mountain, and Horatio Nelson as intended runners, although there is a slight question mark over the latter, last seen finishing eighth in the 2000 Guineas.

'Septimus, Dylan Thomas, Horatio Nelson and Mountain are all going at the moment,' explained O'Brien.

'Horatio missed one bit of work two weeks ago with a bruised foot and that has held him up a little bit.

'All the other three look fit enough but we will not be sure about Horatio Nelson until he works again.

'They will all work on Tuesday or Wednesday and hopefully we will know a bit more about them after that.

'Kieren will ride each of the four and get a feel. I'll tell him all the information I have and that will help him make a decision.

'I have been very happy with Dylan Thomas but the mile and a half is a question mark for him, whereas Septimus will probably get further than a mile and half in time.'

Septimus is the 7-2 second-favourite with William Hill and Ladbrokes, while both firms go 8-1 about the chances of Horatio Nelson.

? PA Sport