Anthony Van Dyck gives O’Brien another Investec Derby ace

Aidan O’Brien already has a formidable hand for the Investec Derby. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Aidan O’Brien will not be short of potential challengers when he attempts to land a record-equalling seventh Investec Derby at Epsom on June 1.

He strengthened his hand even further at Lingfield on Saturday as Anthony Van Dyck put his rivals in their place in the RaceBets Derby Trial Stakes.

Having won Wednesday’s Chester Vase with Sir Dragonet and the Dee Stakes at the Cheshire track 24 hours later with Circus Maximus, the Ballydoyle handler celebrated another Classic trial triumph after the son of Galileo returned to winning ways in the Listed prize.

Out of luck at the top table on his final three starts last season, the dual Group race winner took a drop down in class in his stride when appearing to enjoy every yard of the extended one-mile-three-furlong trip in mastering Pablo Escobarr by two and a quarter lengths.

The Ryan Moore-ridden winner was cut to a general 8-1 for the Investec Derby. O’Brien runners dominate the ante-post betting with Sir Dragonet (7-2), Japan (7-1) and Broome (9-1) also prominent.

Moore said: “I was very happy with him, he was very smooth and he travelled beautifully the whole way round. He took me there very comfortably.

“Like Aidan said, he would probably need the run today and, for me, he had a little bit of the blow at the two, but once I grabbed hold of him, he got done what he had to do. He is a nice horse to have and will definitely improve for the run.”