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Abbey stands ground as Derby looms

St Nicholas Abbey remains favourite to claim the Epsom Derby
St Nicholas Abbey remains favourite to claim the Epsom Derby

Ante-post favourite St Nicholas Abbey features among a total of 19 horses remaining in the Investec Derby at Epsom following the latest forfeits.

There is one final chance for connections to enter in the contest at the five-day declaration stage when a supplementary fee of £75,000 is needed.

That is thought to be the likeliest course of action for Godolphin's Rewilding, an impressive winner at Goodwood this week.

Sheikh Mohammed's operation already have Al Zir, Chabal and Ameer engaged.

In addition to St Nicholas Abbey, Aidan O'Brien can also call on Derrinstown Derby Trial winner Midas Touch and Dante Stakes hero Cape Blanco, plus Jan Vermeer, At First Sight and Bright Horizon.

Khalid Abdullah still has two possibles in Lingfield Derby Trial winner Bullet Train, trained by Henry Cecil, and Workforce, who is in the care of Michael Stoute.

John Gosden's Azmeel and Michael Bell's Coordinated Cut are also still engaged.

Mark Tompkins is praying for rain for his Chester winner Ted Spread.

‘Ted Spread did a bit of work on Friday morning and we are very happy with him - we just want some rain between now and June 5,’ said Tompkins.

‘He will stay the trip and he is an improving horse. He will have learned a lot at Chester and his temperament is bombproof - he will just stand there and pick grass.

‘If it rains and the ground comes in our favour, then I would hope that he could be fifth or sixth.’

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