Crack Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh reports Alamshar "in great form" ahead of his attempt to win a third Vodafone Derby in the last four years on the Aga Khan's colt at Epsom on Saturday.

Murtagh's victories in the blue riband came on Sinndar, trained like Alamshar by John Oxx, in 2000 and High Chaparral last year.

Comparing those horses with Alamshar, Murtagh told attheraces: "He's a good balanced horse and I think he saves the best for the track, so he has quite a few similarities to both Derby winners I've ridden."

Murtagh has been pleased with Alamshar's build-up for the big race.

He said: "He's going very well. I rode him in his last bit of work. He followed his lead horses, he went between them, he worked well, he's in great form and Mr Oxx is very happy with him."

Alamshar will be attempting a mile and a half for the first time on Saturday, which gives the rider some cause for concern.

"Stamina is the only worry I have," Murtagh said. "He's by Key Of Luck, but the dam stayed well.

"He's a relaxed horse and I think he'll give himself every chance.

"The Aga Khan's horses have stamina in the mares and hopefully it'll come through and stand him in good stead on the day."

And when asked if he thought Alamshar would be able to handle Epsom's unique undulations, Murtagh said: "He's nice and tidy, a handy horse with great balance."

Describing the type of horse required to win a Derby, the jockey said: "They have to have everything at Epsom. They have to have speed, stamina and most of all they have to have attitude and the constitution for such a big day, because it's massive."

Alamshar, the winner of both his starts as a juvenile, lost his unbeaten record in slightly unfortunate circumstances on his reappearance at Leopardstown in April, going down by by half a length to Balestrini.

Recalling the race, Murtagh said: "I followed the wrong one that day. I followed Mick (Kinane on Alberto Giacometti) and the pacemaker got away on me, but I made up five lengths in the last half-furlong and that's when I thought we might have a serious contender.

"He had been working well at home but he didn't feel like anything special, but when I rode him that day he really impressed me the way he quickened up."

Alamshar went one better next time when beating The Great Gatsby and current Derby favourite Brian Boru by a head and two and a half lengths in Leopardstown's Derrinstown Stud Trial Stakes - a race which also went to the last three winners of the premier Classic - after an interrupted preparation.

Despite the narrowness of the winning margin, Murtagh had been happy with his mount's performance.

He said: "He showed his battling qualities. He didn't have a great week beforehand. He had a few little problems and wasn't at his best.

"I was just delighted he won because it was dreadful conditions. There was a thunderstorm before the race, it was windy and raining.

"He went to win well and then he just died a little bit on me.

"He showed he has the heart for battle and he's going to need that come Epsom."

Brian Boru was conceding 5lb to Alamshar that day but Murtagh is hopeful he can confirm Leopardstown placings with Aidan O'Brien's charge.

He said: "He's 5lb better off but I think my fellow will improve on that run.

"His preparation has gone great since Leopardstown. I rode him on Friday morning and he was fresh and well.

"The ground is good at the moment and I hope it stays like that. We are looking forward to getting him there in one piece and hope he puts up a good show."

Alamshar is a top-priced 4-1 for the Derby.

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