O'Brien excited by Derby prospects Aidan O'Brien is excited by his Investec Derby squad as he prepares to challenge for a first win in the premier Classic since High Chaparral in 2002. The Ballydoyle trainer dominates the betting for the blue riband on June 5, with dazzling Racing Post Trophy winner St Nicholas Abbey spearheading four major chances. O'Brien said: "It is hard to put them all into an order. They are all very exciting horses in their own right. "Everybody wants to breed a Derby winner, there is only one Epsom Derby every year and we are in the lucky position this year that we have a nice team of horses and that we also have the French Derby the following day. "It is difficult to say which of them will run at Epsom, and I don't want to mislead anybody. "St Nicholas Abbey was always going to the (2000) Guineas and the Derby, and that has not changed. "Midas Touch was always down for the Derrinstown and then the intention was to go to the Derby, while Cape Blanco and Jan Vermeer have the option of either France or Epsom. "St Nicholas Abbey and Midas Touch are the two definites (for Epsom) at the moment so long as all is well. Cape Blanco and Jan Vermeer are both possible. "Cape Blanco was just ready to start when he went to York for the Dante, where they went an even gallop on fast ground. "He won very easily and idled a bit in front. He was very sore after the race, but that was just a superficial cut really. "Jan Vermeer was very impressive at the Curragh (on Sunday), it was a rush to get him there and he was just ready to start." Jim Bolger knows what it takes to win the Derby, having struck with New Approach two years ago, but does not have a representative in this year's renewal. The master of Coolcullen does, however, anticipate a Ballydoyle whitewash. He said: "I think Aidan (O'Brien) will fill the first three places but whatever happens after that, I don't know. "Jan Vermeer won nicely at the Curragh and he could be the one if Aidan's number one (St Nicholas Abbey) is not at his best."
