EPSOM DERBY: Sam Turner’s guide to all the runners and riders… Military Order can stage a coup

While all the headlines may surround Frankie Dettori riding in his last Epsom Classic, Military Order looks capable of stealing some of his own as he bids to give trainer Charlie Appleby a third success in the world’s more prestigious Flat race.

This year’s contest looks a typically complex puzzle with likely favourite Auguste Rodin heading the market as much on reputation as any racecourse evidence.

While he boasts smart juvenile form, it is possible to question the validity of his Doncaster victory in the Futurity Stakes which was achieved on deep ground at the expense of Epictetus and Holloway Boy who hung his chance away by wandering markedly in the closing stages.

Auguste Rodin must also bounce back from an abject effort in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas despite the pre-race vibes being very positive.

Here, Sam Turner delivers his guide to all the runners and riders.

This year’s contest looks a complex puzzle but we have a guide to all the runners and riders

ADELAIDE RIVER

Well held by Arrest in both starts either side of a winter break and limitations have been seemingly exposed at this level.

STAR RATING: ★ 

ARREST

Ploughed through the mud to beat Adelaide River at Chester and also closely matched with Dubai Mile on October running. Should give Frankie Dettori a good last spin.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★

ARTISTIC STAR

Progressive and unexposed colt who coped well with cut in the ground to win tidily at Nottingham and Sandown. Can make an impact if inexperience doesn’t count against him.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★

AUGUSTE RODIN

Failed to fire in the 2,000 Guineas but wouldn’t be the first from his stable to bounce back in style and juvenile form entitles him to strong consideration.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★

DEAR MY FRIEND

Placed in a juvenile Group Three over 10 furlongs and far from disgraced in the Dante at York, but balance of form suggests he is more a bookmakers’ friend than a punters’.

STAR RATING: ★

DUBAI MILE

Posted a fine Derby trial in the Guineas and closely matched with Arrest and The Foxes on juvenile form so looks capable of taking a hand with trip likely to suit.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★

KING OF STEEL

Talented two-year-old who was withdrawn from the Dante after becoming upset at the stalls. Keeping temperament in check given today’s atmosphere will be no easy job.

STAR RATING: ★ ★

MILITARY ORDER

Grabbed the layers’ attention with a stylish Newbury comeback and consolidated Derby claims with a gutsy Lingfield Trial victory. Brother to 2021 winner Adayar and likely to improve again.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

PASSENGER

Smooth Newmarket maiden win precluded an unfortunate run in the Dante Stakes behind The Foxes. Unlike Sir Michael Stoute to rush a horse of his profile so remains an intriguing prospect.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★

Military Order (above) can deliver a third success in the Derby for trainer Charlie Appleby

SAN ANTONIO

Can race keenly, but saw out the extended 10 furlongs strongly at Chester and looks certain to step forward again granted this stiffer test.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★

SPREWELL

Talented colt who landed a Leopardstown trial for this race in ready fashion. Has only tackled easy conditions to date but a major player if coping with faster conditions.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★

THE FOXES

Well ridden to inch home from White Birch in a messy renewal of York’s Dante Stakes and major claims if today’s trip doesn’t bottom his stamina.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★

WAIPIRO

Has made giant strides this season and stepped up on Newmarket maiden win with a fine run in defeat at Lingfield behind Military Order. Looks a live outsider.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★

WHITE BIRCH

Compromised by a slow start before finishing off race strongly in the Dante behind The Foxes. Looks sure to relish this trip and appears frame material if breaking better.

STAR RATING: ★ ★ ★