Aidan O’Brien lining up strong Epsom challenge

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. However, this spring has not been so straightforward, with unsatisfactory blood test results ruling him out of an intended return in the Lingfield Derby Trial, although he did make his comeback five days later with a creditable third place in the Dante at York He covered the last three furlongs quicker than anyone else in the race, so that is a very good sign for a horse like him Aidan O'Brien on High Definition's Dante run O’Brien said: “I am very happy with him. He covered the last three furlongs quicker than anyone else in the race, so that is a very good sign for a horse like him.” The trainer’s other potential Derby candidates include Leopardstown handicap winner Sir Lamorak and Van Gogh, although the latter is set to first contest this weekend’s Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. “With a nice bit of ground and a nice pace on in front of him, everything looks good with him at the moment.” O’Brien also has the first two in the betting for the previous afternoon’s Cazoo Oaks, with 1000 Guineas fourth Santa Barbara heading the market ahead of Musidora Stakes-winning stablemate Snowfall. “Physically she has done well since and mentally she is lovely, so it is very possible that she could really take off.” The trainer’s potential runners in the Coronation Cup on Cazoo Oaks day include Japan, who recently made a winning return to action in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester, and the brilliant filly Love, who won the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks last season.