Simon Holt's Investec Derby betting preview

Recommended bets: Simon Holt

2pts win Cracksman in 4.30 Epsom at best morning price

1pt win Eminent in 4.30 Epsom at best morning price

1pt win Kimberella in 3.45 Epsom at best morning price

In a wide open Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday, the two representatives of the great Frankel's first crop CRACKSMAN and EMINENT look difficult to separate and are both expected to run big races.

Marginal preference is for Cracksman, the mount of Frankie Dettori, who, when winning on his Newmarket debut last season, looked a potential top-notcher, and he confirmed that favourable impression when overcoming difficulties in running to beat Permian and Bay Of Poets in the Epsom Trial in April.

That form has been well boosted since with the runner-up winning the Dante Stakes at York and Bay Of Poets chasing home what appears to be Aidan O'Brien's main contender Cliffs Of Moher (the mount of Ryan Moore) in the Dee Stakes at Chester.

Permian may well have improved again since being touched off by Cracksman but it will be very surprising if the long-striding selection hasn't made good progress as well, and his performance that day suggests he will stay the trip.

Eminent's victory in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket in April has also been well advertised with runner-up Rivet going on to finish a fine third in the French Guineas while third-placed Benbatl was beaten just three-quarters of a length by Permian at York (Rekindling fourth).

Subsequently, Martyn Meade's colt was a shade disappointing when only sixth to Churchill in the Guineas but a false pace that day may not have suited him over a mile when his strong-finishing Craven win shouted out that he wanted further. Moreover, it looked a very strong Guineas field.

Eminent's dam is a half sister to the unlucky Oaks loser Diamondsandrubies who was nearly knocked over before finishing fourth to Qualify in the 2015 fillies' Classic.

The fact that Aidan O'Brien fields no less than six runners is indicative perhaps that he lacks a standout contender, and Cliffs Of Moher was only workmanlike when justifying odds-on favouritism at Chester.

However, he was thought more in need of the run than many of his stable companions this spring and there could be big improvement to come, especially as he was doing his best work late on that day over the extended mile and a quarter.

The other Ballydoyle contenders appear closely matched, but are all bred along the right lines to win, with Venice Beach a particularly guaranteed stayer after beating stable-mates Wings Of Eagles and The Anvil in the Chester Vase (1m4f).

Douglas Macarthur, a full brother to the Oaks winner Was, also makes plenty of appeal following his victory in the renowned Derrinstown Stud Trial at Leopardstown in which stable-companion Capri (who would be well suited by soft ground) was only a head and a short head away in third.

Godolphin are also powerfully represented with the runaway Newbury winning debutant Dubai Thunder (a half brother to the top class Farhh), the aforementioned Benbatl and Lingfield Derby Trial winner Best Solution, all trained by Saeed bin Suroor.

While Best Solution is certain to stay, but might not be quite good enough, the other two perhaps more talented contenders, have pedigrees which suggest a mile and a quarter might be their optimum trip.

Besides Cracksman, John Gosden fields four more runners of which the supplemented Khalidi could be the most interesting.

A narrow winner from Salouen in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket in April, this son of Derby winner High Chapparal bounced back from a disappointing effort behind Permian at the Guineas meeting when breaking the course record at Goodwood (1m3f) and winning by an impressive five lengths.

The mount of last year's Derby winning rider Pat Smullen, Khalidi could out run his odds. 

All of the above shows the competitive nature of this year's renewal, but what a story it will be if Frankel can sire the winner with his first produce, and a bet on both Cracksman and Eminent is my humble advice.

Earlier, the Investec Corporate Banking 'Dash' Handicap brings together three previous winners namely Caspian Prince (successful last year and in 2014), Duke Of Firenze (the 2013 winner) and 2015 winner Desert Law.

All look ready to run big races again in what is a specialist's speed test over one of the fastest five furlongs in the world, but it is difficult to forget how unlucky KIMBERELLA was behind Caspian Prince 12 months ago.

Trained then by David Nicholls, the seven-year-old tried to anticipate the start, was knocked back from the gate and began very slowly only to fly home and fail by a short-head.

Kimberella made amends with later victories at York and Ripon, and for new trainer Richard Fahey won twice at Lingfield in March/April before finding the Group Three Palace House Stakes at Newmarket last time a little hot.

Given better luck in running from stall twenty against the probably favoured stands rail and with Connor Murtagh taking off 7lb, he is fancied to make amends for last year's frustrating failure.

Posted 0945 BST on 02/06/2017