This race is a Derby trial in name only as the last horse to take this and win the Classic was High Rise back in 1998 and a lot of horses have tried. Just five go to post which is disgraceful given there is £56k on offer.

4.00 Lingfield: Betfred Derby Trial Stakes (Listed Race) (Colts & Geldings) 1m3f106y

13/13: Had won no more than 3 times
11/13: Returned 5/1 or shorter in the betting
11/13: Came from the top 3 in the betting
10/13: Went onto run in the Epsom Derby (no winners)
10/13: Had run within the last 4 weeks
10/13: Finished 4th or better last time out
  9/13: Favourites placed
  7/13: Drawn in stall 1 or 2
  4/13: Ran at Newbury last time out
  4/13: Won last time out
  4/14: Trained by Aidan O'Brien
  3/12: Winning favourites
  2/12: Ridden by Ryan Moore

The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 4/1
The last winner to go on and win the Epsom Derby was High Rise 1998

The Racing Horse has studied the form of this race for many hours but remain none the wiser! Our ratings suggest there is very little between the runners and the winner might be the one who gets the best ride.

Saeed bin Suroor is hoping Winning Story can transfer his recent good work at home to the track and maintain his unbeaten record. In a race that has so far eluded the Newmarket handler, the once-raced 3yo will bid to change that statistic en route to glory at Epsom Downs in the Derby. Although unraced at two, the son of New Approach showed a good attitude when making a winning start to his career in a competitive mile-and-a-quarter maiden at last month's Craven meeting. Bin Suroor said: “He did a really nice piece of work on Wednesday morning which showed he is well at home. He is in good form and is improving all the time. I think the step up in trip will suit him and the ground should be fine. We always thought he was a nice horse and one that would get better with time. We will see how he goes in this first before we look at the Derby.”

While the Queen is no stranger to seeing her famous silks carried to big-race glory, Newmarket maiden winner Carntop will bid to give the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall their most high-profile success as owners. The Dansili colt was added to the Investec Derby field at a cost of £8,000 last month. Trainer Ralph Beckett said: “I was delighted with his run at Newmarket last October. He has had a good spring and has been working well. This race was always the plan. We will see what happens on Saturday, as that will tell us where we will go next with him.”

Having sent out subsequent dual Group Two winner Snow Sky to land the extended one-mile-three-furlong event back in 2014, trainer Sir Michael Stoute will rely on Across The Stars, who carries the colours of 2003 Derby winner Kris Kin. After finishing second on both his starts as a 2yo, the son of Sea The Stars made light work of opening his account at the third time of asking when running out an easy winner of an all-weather maiden at the Surrey venue last month. Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, said: “It was a messy race last time with just the four runners and I think he needed the run and the experience. I thought it was a good enough start to the season. The switch to the turf track on Saturday will definitely help and we are hoping he can go well. I am not saying he is going to win, but he has been showing much more in his work and Sir Michael has got a good opinion of him.”

The best horse on official figures is Humphrey Bogart, who ran on strongly when second to So Mi Dar in the Derby Trial at Epsom. Trainer Richard Hannon said: “If he stays and if he settles then he should have an excellent chance. On his last run he appeared to look like he would get further. The signs so far have been encouraging.” At around 4/1 or 9/2 we think he might  be the value.

Aidan O'Brien has won the race four times, including last year, tbut none of those winners proved to be among his leading Classic hopes, and Landofhopeandglory was a beaten favourite behind Linguistic on his seasonal debut. Kevin Buckley, British representative for Coolmore, said: “He was a little disappointing at Newmarket last time. He did get a little colty before the race so hopefully that doesn't repeat itself. He's a fine-looking animal and he's in good form. He finished fourth behind the horse that finished second in the Dee Stakes, so there's a form line there.”