'Thunder' set to rumble for Godolphin in tricky Derby

If it is not the most open G1 Investec Derby of modern times, it still borders on the unfathomable.

The hunt for Derby clues is constantly an exercise in frustration, but this year there is such a lack of convincing evidence many are turning to a 'trial' that last produced a Derby winner in 1939.

Cracksman, a son of Frankel, beat Permian and Bay Of Poets in the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom in April, a race that in its guise as the Blue Riband Trial was won by Blue Peter on his way to Derby triumph 78 years ago.

Many have since failed in their quest to complete that unique Epsom double, but that is not an argument to say it can't be done again.

I believe that two colts with Godolphin ties may hold the key to this year's Derby. Permian, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is arguably the rapid improver in Saturday's 19-runner Derby field and unquestionably a major chance.

The son of Darley stallion Teofilo has won five of his 10 starts, the last two of those wins coming in the Listed Newmarket Stakes and York's G2 Dante Stakes.

The other Godolphin three-year-old yardstick is Bay Of Poets, who by-passes Epsom to run in Sunday's G1 Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly.

He, nevertheless, gives us a valid pointer that brings together Cracksman, Permian and Cliffs Of Moher, the latter being one of six Ballydoyle runners.

Cliffs Of Moher beat Bay Of Poets by one and a half lengths in the Listed Dee Stakes at Chester, so it appears that not much separates those heading the list at present.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained Best Solution is the best-performed of the three-strong Godolphin entry. He looked professional as he drew away for a win by three and a quarter lengths in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial.

Benbatl, third in the G3 Craven Stakes and second in York's Dante, is also a worthy Godophin contender, but the untapped Dubai Thunder may prove best of the trio on the day.

A Dubawi half-brother to the brilliant Farhh, Dubai Thunder romped home by 10 lengths on soft ground in a Newbury maiden on May 19. If the forecast rain for Epsom arrives, and the ground is on the soft side, he can run a very big race.

So, there it is. Even by Epsom standards, this Derby is tricky.

But, we will be hailing a new three-year-old star when it is over, because the attributes required remain the same -- speed, stamina, temperament, agility, athleticism, and heart -- and any colt with all that is indeed special.