WELL IN THE HUNT

David Jackson thinks the Derby will be heading across the Irish Sea but not to Ballydoyle this time

SPREWELL looks a good bet for the Derby at Epsom on June 3. At the time of writing, the Jessica Harrington-trained colt is widely available at 12-1. I find that quite puzzling given how impressive he was when winning the Derby Trial at Leopardstown in early May.

Despite the testing ground, this son of Churchill travelled beautifully and cruised into the race before running right away from his rivals in the final 100 yards. He looks the type who will enjoy the challenge of Epsom as he's balanced, and he should have no problem seeing out the extra quarter-mile on breeding.

The unknow the likely icker ground on Derby day as he's yet to run on anything quicker that soft conditions. Looking at Churchill's offspring, they have a good strike-rate on good ground and he produces plenty that go in quicker conditions.

You might worry if it comes up ratting but this was such an impressive performance in what looks a weak year. If he remains anything like double-figures, he looks a good bet.

Auguste Rodin continues to head the betting even after his disastrous effort in the 2,000 Guineas.

He got messed about early but Igave up the ghost before they passed the half-mile pole. He will definitely be better suited by the Derby distance but there are questions to answer after such a lacklustre effort.

After all, there are few Derby winners that get everything go perfectly through the race and he'll have to show more backbone to take the Blue Riband. Arrest won the Chester Vase well and that's under-rated as an Epsom trial.