Huge Derby chance Ruling Court could be PULLED from race at last minute amid dire weather warning for Epsom

HUGE Derby chance Ruling Court could be pulled from the race at the last minute – amid a dire weather warning for Epsom.

The 2,000 Guineas hero is as short as 9-2 second-fav for the world’s most famous Flat contest.

Getty

2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court could be pulled from the Derby if the weather and ground get too rough at Epsom[/caption]

But ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin reported trainer Charlie Appleby is having doubts over his participation.

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and hail is in place for Epsom on Saturday.

While a deluge of rain is set to fall overnight.

Godolphin trainer Appleby saw red-hot Oaks favourite Desert Flower get turned over by Aidan O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk.

And if the ground turns ugly at Epsom then he won’t hesitate to pull his stable star from the race.

Chamberlin said: “Charlie felt it was the track rather than the trip that hindered Desert Flower.

“And when talking about tomorrow, he said if it gets very wet and messy and they start coming to the stands’ side, they might just have a think about whether to run Ruling Court or not.”

A full field of 19 are set to go to post for the blockbuster £1.5million Group 1.

O’Brien’s Delacroix has been backed in after his 11th Oaks success and is now a strong 5-2 favourite.

Ruling Court is vying for second-favouritism with Ralph Beckett’s Pride Of Arras – the Dante-winning colt owned by an 80-year-old gran hellbent on taking on the sport’s ruling billionaires.

Ruling Court was a market mover in recent days after Delacroix was drawn 14.

But O’Brien has his string in top form and Moore showed on Friday he is as good as ever at judging the pace on the tricky Downs.

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.