O'Brien trio dominate Derby Trial Aidan O'Brien is happy to let Nelson, Delano Roosevelt and The Pentagon do battle for the second time this season in Sunday's Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown. The Ballydoyle handler has farmed this contest in the last 20 years, saddling no less than 11 winners during that period. Those on the roll of honour include a pair of subsequent Epsom Derby heroes in Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002) and this year's Derrinstown trio are all prominent in an ante-post market dominated by O’Brien. Nelson came out on top when they met in last month’s Ballysax Stakes over the same course and distance, with Delano Roosevelt second and hot favourite The Pentagon third. “All three are well and have come on great for their runs,” said O’Brien. “The Pentagon has probably moved up a nice bit. “We’re looking forward to seeing them run.” Dermot Weld is another trainer with a fine record in the Derrinstown having saddled eight previous winners. This year the master of Roswell House relies on Hazapour, who won a Galway maiden last autumn and makes his first appearance since finishing third in the Group Three Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown last October. The King is an interesting contender for Jessica Harrington. The Mastercraftsman colt comfortably accounted for the high-class Imaging at Gowran Park in September but has not run since. Harrington said: “The King is in great form. He’s done well over the winter and I’m delighted with him.” The Ger Lyons-trained Lethal Steps, Mick Halford’s Platinum Warrior and Theobald from Jim Bolger’s yard complete the eight-strong field.
