LEOPARDSTOWN 16:35 5d1127

All 7 ran.

Time: 2m 8.25s Closing Sectional: (3f): 37.25s (103.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 101.1%

A Group 3 better known as the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial in previous years, but still a significant pointer to Epsom, and a smart performance from Stone Age gave Aidan O'Brien his fifteenth win in the race.

STONE AGE (IRE) followed up his maiden Navan win in strikingly similar fashion back in better company, left to dictate a modest early gallop before settling matters quickly once sent for home early in the straight, this smart effort enough to propel him to the front of the Derby betting just hours after previous favourite and stablemate Luxembourg has been ruled out; made running, travelled well, kicked on entering straight, pushed along 2f out, forged clear: he's bound to prove at least as effective over 1½m, will go on improving, and his straightforward nature lends itself well to the challenges of a track like Epsom.

GLORY DAZE (IRE) progressed again back in Group company and clearly possesses more stamina than his pedigree would imply, no reason why he won't get 1½m on this evidence; prominent, shaken up before home turn, kept on from 2f out, no match for winner.

FRENCH CLAIM (FR) couldn't build on the favourable impression he'd made at Cork back in better company, a touch disappointing he was unable to hold on to second given how well he'd seen things out last time; chased leader, effort over 2f out, no extra inside final 1f.

ATOMIC JONES (FR) shaped better than the bare result upped in trip after 8 months off, impressing with how he travelled before luck and the lack of a recent outing played their part; waited with, travelled better than most, headway when not clear run early in straight, forced to switch soon after, effort flattened out; he created a good impression as a juvenile and remains capable of better.

DUKE DE SESSA (IRE) fell short of what he'd shown in the Ballysax and looks ready for the step up to 1½m; mid-division, ridden home turn, one paced.

MANU ET CORDE (IRE) found this too competitive, though was also done no favours when squeezed out at the start; hampered start, raced off the pace, driven before straight, plugged on, never a threat.

GREAT MAX (IRE) again ran below form and looks in need of a drop back in trip; chased leader, not settle fully, shaken up over 2f out, weakened before final 1f.