AIDAN CALLING IN TO BOOST EPSOM TALLY

But Robert Cooper is won over by James Fanshawe's Ambiente Friendly touch

Toppers and Tails suggest the serious stuff is about to be let loose Epsom and Royal Ascot are where the backbone of the Flat season is moulded, the T frivolities at Newmarket, Goodwood and York can wait a month or two.

We will no doubt see Aidan O'Brien and his entourage pacing the home straights of Epsom and Ascot, probably with a phone wedged to one ear or other.

He probably adds credibility to the stat that we, Aidan included, check our phones every 12 minutes for possible contact from the outside world - or beyond.

I've never really given it serious consideration, but maybe it's true. As a fellow hostage to the gadget that is usually within grabbing distance, I feel ashamed to admit that recently I turned back from a walk with Norma (the dog) as I had left my phone in the house, thus unable to record the trudge on my daily steps app.

It's verging on pathetic to rely on contraptions to boost our self-esteem. Finding the Derby winner would be enough to enhance mine.

Most mortals don't back nine Derby winners in their lifetime let alone train them, but Aidan O'Brien will make it 10 if one of his blue-blooded cluster of colts does the business on June 1.

Guineas mega-flop City of Troy still heads the pecking order, but as we know, Aidan has the knack of springing a few Epsom surprises - the bookies still have fond memories of 40/1 'no-hoper' Wings of Eagles (2017) and 25/1 shot Serpentine (2020) landing the Blue Riband.

Last year's winner Auguste Rodin raised a few eyebrows following his abysmal no-show in the Guineas and now, maybe in groundhog year, can City Of Troy, also a Guineas flop, live up to his billing as one of Ballydoyle's all time greats?

Of course it's possible, Aidan is a recognised miracle worker, but City Of Troy certainly won't be carrying a penny of my hard-earned cash. There's no denying, Troy bombed at Newmarket.