Derby: A-Z Guide

Saturday afternoon sees one of the highlights of the worldwide flat racing calender, the Investec Derby at Epsom.

This season’s race looks wide open, with a bigger field than in recent years, and there are very few of the runners in the 16-strong field that appear to be no-hopers.

Check out our guide to the 2016 Derby runners and riders…

ACROSS THE STARS (Form: 22-13)

Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute. Jockey: Kieren Fallon

Stamina is not a problem for this son of Sea The Stars, as he is already a winner over 12 furlongs. He probably would have won the Lingfield Derby Trial but for meeting with severe interference. Tactical speed is a big concern and he is a clear stable second-string. Rating: 3/10

ALGOMETER (Form: 41-21)

Trainer: David Simcock. Jockey: Jim Crowley

Took the drop down to Listed class to win at Goodwood last time out, but whether that form is good enough is a big question mark. He’s one of the Derby runners who would definitely appreciate the race turning into a slog. Rating: 2/10

BIODYNAMIC (Form: 5-134)

Trainer: Karl Burke. Jockey: Dougie Costello

Failed to make much of an impact when finishing nine lengths behind US Army Ranger in the Chester Vase, and would need to find huge improvement to have a chance of reaching the frame. Rating: 1/10

CLOTH OF STARS (Form: 132-11)

Trainer: Andre Fabre. Jockey: Mickael Barzalona

French raider who was supplemented for the Derby after winning a Group 2 contest at Saint-Cloud last month. Improved to overcome a rival he had been beaten by twice as a two-year-old and is open to further improvement for a team that won the race with Pour Moi in 2011. Rating: 6/10

DEAUVILLE (Form: 1125-2)

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien. Jockey: Jamie Spencer

Could well have come on for the run after finishing second to Wings Of Desire in the Dante at York, one of the key trials for Epsom, and it would be no surprise to see him turn around that form. His chance might depend on the sun coming out, to firm up the ground a little, and if it does he is a massive contender. Rating: 9/10

HARZAND (Form: 5-11)

Trainer: Dermot Weld. Jockey: Pat Smullen

Where Deauville wants the sun to shine, Dermot Weld would probably love some more rain. His two wins have both come on heavy ground, and while it is foolish to completely rule him out on better going, there is no compelling evidence that it will improve him any further. Rating: 5/10

HUMPHREY BOGART (Form: …

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