Godolphin Set to Lose Out to O'brien's Island

After Ibn Khaldun's lamentable display in the 2,000 Guineas, Godolphin will be looking for a boost from their team of potential Derby colts, the first of whom, Alexandros, runs in the Dee Stakes at Chester today. Once again, though, arch rivals Coolmore may have the ace in the pack. Aidan O'Brien, who sent out Henrythenavigator to win the Guineas, has only run two colts in the Dee Stakes in the past 10 years and both have won.

He expects Achill Island (2.15) to "come on tons" from his unplaced run in heavy ground at Longchamp last month when his pace-making stable companion Sligo finished two places ahead. Achill Island is certainly capable of better judged on his two-year-old form, which included second placings in the Royal Lodge Stakes and Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Alexandros, who was trained by Andre Fabre last year, has not been seen since finishing third behind Myboycharlie and Natagora at Deauville. He seems best watched on his first run for Saeed Bin Suroor.

Kris Kin and Oath are recent Dee Stakes winners who have gone on to win the Derby. Oath's trainer, Henry Cecil, has not entered Unnefer for the Epsom Classic but he may be the one to give Achill Island most to do. O'Brien can take the Ormonde Stakes with Macarthur (2.45), unlucky not to finish closer than sixth in the St Leger.

Ron Cox's tip of the day

Befortyfour 3.15 Chester

Two years ago Michael Jarvis won this with Empress Jain, his only runner in the race in the past 10 seasons, and he has another likely sort today in Befortyfour. Gelded at the end of last season, when he was thought good enough to run at Royal Ascot, Befortyfour won by six lengths at Lingfield. This is tougher, but it is significant that he has an entry in the Group Two Temple Stakes.