Aqaleem can reign supreme

Consequently, it makes perfect sense to take another look at the race in light of the developments and Aqaleem, who hails from last year's winning stable, that of Marcus Tregoning, is becoming more appealing with every passing day in the build up to Flat racing's blue riband. Indeed, with stamina guaranteed and his effectiveness on an easy surface proven, the 42/5 offered by Bet Chronicle is extremely tempting. I admit that Authorized looks a classy colt, but I still believe that his price isn't commensurate with his on-course achievements. Fact is, he hasn't beaten a great deal in winning either the Racing Post Trophy last term or the Dante last month. Granted, he did the job in good style in both of the races in question, but there isn't enough substance to those victories for Authorized to be as short as 4/5. Aqaleem probably hasn't achieved a great deal in terms of form either, but you couldn't help but be taken with the way he swept pass his rivals when landing the Lingfield Derby Trial by four lengths. He was staying on strongly in that contest, which was run on good to soft going, suggesting that he'd probably get even further than a mile and a half. Given the prevailing conditions at Epsom, that stamina could prove crucial. Furthermore, although that particular trial has had little bearing on the Derby in recent years, Lingfield is the ideal track for a horse to encounter pre Epsom given its undulating nature and left-hand turn at the top of the home straight. Confidence has been gathering momentum within Tregoning's camp with every drop of rain that has fallen on Epsom Downs. The beautifully bred Aqaleem may well vindicate that confidence. Aidan O'Brien is playing the numbers game in a bid to land his third Derby. The Ballydoyle handler is sending eight raiders across the pond, the best of which appear to be Archipenko and Eagle Mountain. The latter shaped really well when a staying-on fifth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and looks for all the world as though he'll relish stepping up to 12 furlongs. He has each-way claims. Michael Bell, who won the penultimate renewal of this glittering spectacle with Motivator, relies on Regime this time. The son of Golan landed the Sandown Classic Trial and shouldn't have any problems with seeing out the Derby trip. He also acts on soft going. It may well be, however, that he lacks the requisite class, and may be playing for a place at best. Verdict - 1.25pts Aqaleem @ 42/5 (Bet Chronicle)