It looks set to be a typical year, with Aidan O’Brien holding a strong and sizeable team for the Epsom Derby next month, and not only that, but he’s also got the two market leaders.

Both horses have elevated their positions, both in the market and in the Ballydoyle pecking order, thanks to impressive performances at Chester last week, to land two of the more recognisable trial races ahead of Epsom.

As it stands now, Benvenuto Cellini is the favourite for the race, but Constitution River is second best. While his confirmation for Epsom is still in the balance, there’s no doubting he has the talent to run well in a Derby, based on what we saw last week.

Benvenuto Cellini is a best price of 5/2 to win the Epsom Derby, clear favourite ahead of Constitution River who is best priced 7/1 for the race. The rest of the runners behind these two are all priced up at double figures or higher.

After True Love landed the 1000 Guineas, Aidan O’Brien holds one of the two classics so far this season. His hand looks very strong for the Derby.

Benvenuto Cellini the Derby Favourite and Ballydoyle First String

There were plenty of eyes on Benvenuto Cellini at Chester when he lined up for the Chester Vase. He’s long since been spoken of as a Derby horse by those inside the O’Brien yard.

He more than showcased that on the track, and it seems for him at least, it’s now all systems go for a trip to Epsom.

Was he perfect? No, I don’t think he was. But there’s no doubting the fact that he put up a good showing, will improve for the run, and looks to be classy enough to win a Derby.

Sent off very short, the 2/9 favourite won by just over four lengths, with stablemate and pace setter Proposition in second place.

There’s definitely question marks over the field strength, but the O’Brien runner won in good style, and did so giving the field 4lb in weight.

Constitution River Could Shake Up Plans if Running

A day later in the Dee Stakes, Constitution River was actually sent off at the same starting price, very short at 2/9, in what is a lower quality race, Listed standard officially.

If you question the quality of the field that Benvenuto Cellini beat, then you have to do the same here. It was a Listed race, and looked like one, minus the winner.

But he was mightily impressive on the eye, coming away in the final furlong in the style of a really classy horse. The winning distance was recorded at seven lengths.

The big question mark with Constitution River is the trip. Over 1m2f he looked good, but what will happen when he goes over another two furlongs?

He ran three times last season, all over seven furlongs, and there’s a doubt when you look at his pedigree, too.

With the French Derby at 1m2f, that is definitely an option for this runner.

Will We See a Clash, or Will Stars be Kept Apart?

We want to see the best take on the best, and Epsom racecourse is a great venue to see that happen.

But I’m not sure we’ll see these two horses taking each other on, as much as I would love to see it.

For me, the safe option for now is to send Constitution River to the French Derby, over the shorter trip, and have two outstanding candidates for different races.

It wouldn’t surprise me if they met later in the year, but for now, coming from the same stable means I think they’ll be kept apart.

Is there anything that could change that? I certainly think so. Look out for other trial races and reports from the stable on their other intended Derby runners.

It’s a huge race, one that O’Brien targets very strongly with multiple runners. I do think he won’t leave it to just one main hope, so if nothing else emerges as a lively contender, that’s when I think the discussion around Constitution River running will become serious.

What happens at Epsom then? Well, if both turn up, it could be one of the races of the year. But if Constitution River doesn’t, then I’m not sure there’s anything that could stop Benvenuto Cellini winning this year’s Derby.