Aidan O’Brien’s massive Derby favourite a huge drifter in the market as stablemate is smashed in

1 day ago 48

AIDAN O’BRIEN’S massive Derby favourite The Lion In Winter is a huge drifter in the market.

And stablemate Delacroix has been absolutely smashed into favourite.

Ryan Moore riding The Lion In Winter winning a horse race.

The Lion In Winter, the long-time favourite for the Derby, is a huge drifter in the market[/caption]

Acomb Stakes winner The Lion In Winter – who flopped in key trial the Dante at York – is out to a huge 11 (10-1) on the Betfair Exchange.

Coral reported a surge of bets for Coolmore-owned stablemate Delacroix, who looks like being the mount of Ryan Moore.

Coral’s David Stevens said: “Since Aidan O’Brien’s comments earlier this week that Ryan Moore would find it difficult not to ride Delacroix at Epsom, the Leopardstown Trial winner has been the best-backed Derby contender by far.

“He has regained outright favouritism for the Classic, in contrast to The Lion In Winter, who has now been eased to 6-1 for next Saturday’s race.”

Some bookies went as big as 7-1 for The Lion In Winter, who spent months at the head of the betting.

Derby sponsors Betfred are just 15-8 Delacroix, who has been mighty impressive in two wins this season and looks like he will have no problem with the 1m4f trip and undulating track.

The Lion In Winter was keen and all over the shop in the Dante on his return from 267 days off.

O’Brien, who has seen superstar stayer Kyprios retired just weeks ahead of a tilt at a third Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, insisted the run wasn’t as bad as it looked.

But, much like Kyprios, it looks like the markets are telling the story ahead of next Saturday’s £1.5million blockbuster race.

More to follow.