Timeform expect Derby joy for team Ballydoyle

Timeform believe that Aidan O'Brien is set to continue his stranglehold on the Irish Derby.

Timeform's David Johnson commented: "Aidan O'Brien looks to hold a strong hand as he aims to win his fifth Irish Derby in a row, and eighth in total. Timeform's ratings for the race are headed by Jan Vermeer and Cape Blanco with both on retrieval missions having disappointed in the English and French equivalents.

"On their best form there isn't a great deal between them. Jan Vermeer has four and a half lengths to make up on Epsom running with stablemate At First Sight but we've no doubt he's better than he was able to show in the Derby and Johnny Murtagh wasn't hard on him once his chance had gone.

"Cape Blanco remains best judged on his impressive Dante win, and whilst his three and a quarter length beating of Workforce cannot be taken at face value, given how much Workforce improved at Epsom, it is still very smart form and backed up by an excellent time figure.

"Monterosso was supplemented earlier in the week and is one of the most progressive 3yos in training, improving again to win the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot last week. However that was by no means a strong renewal and he still has something to find with Jan Vermeer and Cape Blanco."

Timeform weight-adjusted ratings: 137 Jan Vermeer, 136 Cape Blanco, 134 At First Sight, 131 Monterosso 131 Midas Touch 128 Coordinated Cut 128 Chabal, 123p Carraiglawn 122 Puncher Clynch 120 Dubawi Phantom 111 Bright Horizon

To win the Irish Derby - Betfair bet: 13-5 Cape Blanco, 3-1 Monterosso, 4-1 Jan Vermeer, 13-2 Midas Touch, 12-1 Coordinated Cut, 15-1 Chabal, 16-1 Puncher Clynch, 31-1 Carriaglawn, 33-1 At First Sight, 69-1 Dubawi Phantom, 199-1 Bright Horizon.