Ruling Court on track for second Classic strike

Charlie Appleby is respectful of the challenge Aidan O’Brien is likely to mount as 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court goes for Betfred Derby glory.

The Godolphin-owned son of Justify dazzled at Newmarket in the opening Classic of the season and is as short as 3-1 for Epsom on June 7, but his Moulton Paddocks handler is more than wary of the host of Ballydoyle contenders that lie in wait, including big-race favourite Delacroix, winner of the Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial.

“I couldn’t be any happier with how Ruling Court has come out of the Guineas and as we stand we’re firmly on target to head straight to the Derby,” said Appleby.

“I thought Delacroix in Ireland looked visually impressive at the weekend. At the end of the day, people can mock trials all they like but they are the best around and you have to respect them all.

“Aidan is mopping the trials up at the moment and they will all stay a mile and a half on evidence, most of those, which is a contributing factor in the Derby as we all know.”