ALAMSHAR: The owner, trainer and jockey team of the Aga Khan, John Oxx and Johnny Murtagh associated with Sinndar's victory in 2000. Like Sinndar, Alamshar won the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial in his race prior to Epsom. He scrambled home at Leopardstown after an interrupted preparation and can be expected to improve. Fast ground would further enhance his prospects and he is sure to be thereabouts. Having also ridden High Chaparral in 2002, Murtagh will be bidding to win his third Derby in the last four years. Pinstickers' rating out of 10: 8

ALBERTO GIACOMETTI: Trained by Aidan O'Brien, who is bidding to saddle a record third consecutive Derby winner following the victories of Galileo and High Chaparral. He was a good third behind the star French colts Dalakhani and Super Celebre in the Prix Lupin last time, which gives him sound each-way claims at Epsom on Saturday. To be ridden by Christophe Soumillon, who won Sunday's French Derby on Dalakhani. 6

BALESTRINI: Shock winner from Alamshar at Leopardstown in April before finishing fourth in the Prix Lupin. An Aidan O'Brien outsider. 5

BRIAN BORU: Aidan O'Brien's main Derby hope and mount of stable jockey Michael Kinane. An encouraging third behind Alamshar at Leopardstown on his reappearance and has since been reported to be burning up the Ballydoyle gallops. A worthy favourite who is sure to go close. 7

DUNHILL STAR: Trained by Barry Hills, who has yet to win the Derby, though the Lambourn trainer has saddled four seconds and a third in the blue riband. Dunhill Star finished a staying-on third behind Magistretti in the Tote Dante Stakes at York last time and will appreciate the step up to a mile and a half at Epsom. Has an each-way chance at a big price. 6

DUTCH GOLD: All-the-way winner of the Victor Chandler Chester Vase last time and is clearly on the upgrade. Owner Marwan Al Maktoum has stumped up the £90,000 supplementary fee to add the colt to the Derby field. Trained by Clive Brittain, whose big-race runners should always be considered. 6

FRANKLINS GARDENS: A winner at Epsom earlier this season, the Mark Tompkins-trained colt followed up in the Lingfield Derby Trial, beating Let Me Try Again by half a length. A tough and consistent performer who is sure to do his best, but may lack the class to take a hand in the finish. 5

GRAIKOS: Godolphin's colt finished fifth behind Magistretti in the Dante and would have to improve considerably to be involved in the shake-up on Saturday. 4

KRIS KIN: Supplemented to the Derby line-up at a cost to owner Saeed Suhail of £90,000, Kris Kin won the Dee Stakes last time, a race won by Oath before he went on to Derby glory in 1999. Oath's jockey Kieren Fallon takes the ride on Kris Kin, who is trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Stoute, who saddled Shergar to win the Derby in 1981 and Shahrastani to take the blue riband five years later, has his string in top form and Kris Kin should not be left out of calculations. 9

LET ME TRY AGAIN: Progressive colt, a good second at Lingfield last time and will have no problem staying the Derby trip. Trained at Epsom by Terry Mills, Let Me Try Again would be a popular if shock winner of the great race. But three-time Derby-winning jockey Pat Eddery has deserted the colt in favour of one of Aidan O'Brien's runners, which does not bode well. 4

LUNDY'S LANE: An excellent third in the Italian Derby last time but not certain to go to Epsom. 5

MAGISTRETTI: Sports the Michael Tabor colours carried to Derby victory by High Chaparral. Beat Dunhill Star at Newmarket in April before taking the Dante in decisive fashion. He is not certain to get the Derby distance but will not go down without a fight. 5

NORSE DANCER: Another to be supplemented. Bypassed the French Derby to run at Epsom. Finished an excellent third to Refuse To Bend in the Sagitta 2000 Guineas last time and is progressing well. Richard Quinn rides the David Elsworth-trained colt. Quinn's best finish out of 13 Derby rides was third on Beat Hollow in 2000. 6

PRINCE NUREYEV: Rated the best horse Rod Millman has trained, but judged on his short-head success in a Newbury handicap last time will have all on to trouble the principals in the Derby. 2

REFUSE TO BEND: Trained by Dermot Weld, Refuse To Bend will be bidding to become the first horse since the brilliant Nashwan in 1989 to complete the 2000 Guineas-Derby double. Has not sparkled in his work since his Newmarket victory and has been deposed as favourite by Brian Boru. If anywhere near his best he will be the one to beat. However, there are stamina doubts and firm ground at Epsom would lessen his chances further. A first Derby ride for Pat Smullen. 7

SHIELD: Not seen out since winning Sandown's Classic Trial in April. He finished with a flourish over 10 furlongs that day and the extra distance of the Derby will be in his favour. His trainer Gerard Butler has taken the colt to Epsom twice since his win to get him used to the track. Still an unknown quantity, he could be an interesting contender at odds of around 25-1. 6

STRENGTH 'N HONOUR: Not discredited when third to Shield at Sandown and Derby trip holds no fears. Capable of better but may need more time and looks the sort to do well as the season progresses. 4

SUMMERLAND: Beaten six lengths into second place by Dutch Gold at Chester. Doubtful that he will give his supporters anything to cheer about at Epsom. 4

THE GREAT GATSBY: Mount of three-time Derby-winning jockey Pat Eddery. A good second to Alamshar at Leopardstown on his reappearance after making most of the running and keeping on when headed. He appears to have improved markedly over the winter, will appreciate the 12 furlongs at Epsom and is not without a chance. 6

UNIGOLD: After finishing second in the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood, trainer Ed Dunlop said: "Realistically he's not going to win the Derby, but he could run very respectably." A powerfully-built individual, Unigold may turn out to be more of a St Leger contender than a Derby horse. 5