Murtagh fancies Rip Van Winkle

Johnny Murtagh has spoken of his ‘soft spot’ for Rip Van Winkle as the Investec Derby gamble on the Stanjames.com 2000 Guineas fourth gathers pace.

Speculation has been rife in recent days that Murtagh will stay loyal to his Guineas mount at Epsom in preference to the likes of Ballysax and Derrinstown Stud trial winner Fame And Glory.

The ante-post favourite has been eased in the markets in the wake of the rumours and was pushed out to 11-4 this afternoon by William Hill, who also trimmed Rip Van Winkle into 9-2.

Murtagh said: ‘I have a soft spot for Rip - he is a great horse and from day one has always shown class.

‘If you look at Fame And Glory and the way the rest have won their trials they are all just coming there.

‘I don't have to make my mind up for a couple of weeks but I will have to go with my head instead of my heart.’

Murtagh chose Rip Van Winkle over Mastercraftsman in the British 2000 Guineas with the pair finishing fourth and fifth respectively - form which was boosted by Mastercraftsman's runway success in the Irish equivalent.

Their trainer, Aidan O'Brien, added: ‘Johnny has always been a massive Rip fan, which is why rode him in Newmarket.

‘You can never be sure if they will handle the track (at Epsom) but he is very classy and I don't see any reason why he won't.

‘It is a case of so far, so good with the Derby horses and there are still two weeks to go.

‘Rip ran a very good race at Newmarket and had a very interrupted preparation. It is been so far, so good since then apart from one little hiccup.’