Heffernan dreaming of Derby success

Seamus Heffernan would love to add the Investec Derby to his impressive list of big-race victories when he teams up with the well-named Fame And Glory at Epsom on Saturday.

The Kildare rider partnered the unbeaten colt in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial and keeps the ride as Ballydoyle's stable jockey Johnny Murtagh has opted for Rip Van Winkle from Aidan O'Brien's six entries.

And Heffernan, who has won the last two runnings of the Irish Derby, as well as two Irish 1000 Guineas and an Irish St Leger on Ballydoyle horses, is well placed to assess Fame And Glory.

He also won the Derrinstown at Leopardstown on O'Brien's two Derby winners, Galileo and High Chaparral, in 2001 and 2002.

"You'd have to be impressed with what he has done so far," said Heffernan.

"I was impressed with him at Leopardstown, he quickened up and won well and I'm really looking forward to riding him.

"The Epsom Derby is a big notch on anyone's CV. That and the Arc are the two races I'd like to win.

"The Guineas is normally the best trial but they do have to get the trip, it's a big day and the horses have to take in a lot of things.

"There is no doubt about Fame And Glory's temperament though, that is 100%," he told At The Races.

Murtagh's decision has seen punters dive in to back Rip Van Winkle, who is 4-1 from 9-2 with Paddy Power and 7-2 from 5-1 with Victor Chandler.

Paddy Power, spokesman for the Irish firm, said: "Once it was announced which horse Johnny Murtagh would ride in the Derby, support for Rip Van Winkle has been gaining momentum, while interest in Fame And Glory has slackened and that horse has been eased to 4-1 from 7-2."

Richard Hughes is likely to be on fast-finishing Chester Vase runner-up Masterofthehorse for the O'Brien team and he is happy with that.

"It's not 100% definite yet but if it is that one I'd be very pleased," he told At The Races.

"I think Chester was more of a learning curve, I think the aim was to get him settled, that's the way I read the race.

"He flew home and he finished real strong and it was a good education before Epsom.

"It's a good choice for Johnny to have but a horrible one at the same time. At the end of the day you don't work them over a mile and a half at home so you don't know really know. He's gone with his heart and best of luck to him.

"You ride a lot most days you have never sat on but you do learn a lot going to post and Johnny is a good friend and knows plenty about him.

"You'd imagine there'd be a good pace. With a doubt about the Guineas winner (Sea The Stars) staying I'm sure Aidan has that covered, the horse that won at Lingfield looks like he'll stay all day (Age Of Aquarius), he'll be handy but you never know, I'll do what I'm told."