Saxon Warrior is the odds-on-favourite to win the Derby at Epsom Downs and keep hopes of a Triple Crown alive.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien, who also has three other interests in the race, is hoping to win the Derby to complete two-thirds of a historic flat-racing treble. 

If Saxon Warrior wins the showpiece race at Epsom and then goes on to win the St Ledger in Doncaster he will become the first colt to win the triple crown since Nijinsky in 1970.

"If there's a chance we had a Triple Crown horse, this was always going to be the horse," said the Irish trainer after the three-year-old won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. 

"That's why we started him off in the Guineas. We are still alive and kicking after the first round."

 O'Brien narrowly missed out on the treble with  Camelot six years ago.

Champion flat-race jockey Ryan Moore will be taking the reigns. 

What is it?

It's the 2018 Investec Derby, the world's most famous flat race.

When is it?

It's on Saturday June 2 - ie today.

What time does it start?

The big race is at 4.30pm BST.

What TV channel is it on?

Ed Chamberlin and co will be on air on ITV 1 from 1.30pm, bringing you live coverage throughout the afternoon. Alternatively, you can follow the Derby live here.

Race preview

Young Rascal can scupper the Triple Crown hopes of Saxon Warrior by lifting the Investec Derby at Epsom.

Aidan O'Brien's runner has been a hot favourite to land a second Classic since winning the 2000 Guineas, but the handler's worries over the ground combined with a tricky draw in stall one could open the door for his rivals.

Young Rascal can duly grasp that opportunity and make the quantum leap from Newbury maiden winner in April to Derby winner on the first Saturday in June.

The son of Intello was soundly beaten by stablemate My Lord And Master on his only juvenile outing but he was light years away from that performance when cantering home by five lengths in Berkshire.

Trainer William Haggas was suitably encouraged to step him up in class for the Group Three Chester Vase, and Young Rascal handled the assignment with aplomb, fending off the challenge of the reopposing Dee Ex Bee by half a length with a little something in hand.

He has since enjoyed a spin around Epsom at the Breakfast with the Stars event in late May, with previous experience of the idiosyncrasies of the Epsom track a definite positive.

Easy ground holds no fears for him and he can emulate Haggas' previous Derby winner Shaamit, who triumphed from stall nine back in 1996.

PA

Pinstickers' guide

Ashley Iveson, Press Association Sport

DEE EX BEE (Mark Johnston) Rating 6 (out of 10)

Finished a creditable third in the Blue Riband Trial here in April before pushing Young Rascal close in the Chester Vase. He is a confirmed stayer and has definite place claims, but is likely to find one or two too good again.

DELANO ROOSEVELT (Aidan O'Brien) 7

Has been placed on each of his four starts since making a winning debut at Leopardstown last summer, most recently finishing second to Hazapour in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial. Another with a decent each-way chance but hard to see him improving enough to win.

HAZAPOUR (Dermot Weld) 7

A close relative of the trainer's 2016 Derby hero Harzand, this strapping chestnut colt earned his shot at Derby glory with his victory at Leopardstown. The booking of Frankie Dettori can only be as a positive and he has to be considered a major player.

KEW GARDENS (Aidan O'Brien) 3

Was put in his place by Knight To Behold in the Lingfield Derby Trial and no obvious reason why he should reverse the form.

KNIGHT TO BEHOLD (Harry Dunlop) 5

Ran out an impressive winner at Lingfield and has plenty of untapped potential having run just three times. No forlorn hope, but the suspicion is he might not be streetwise enough for the Epsom test.

MASAR (Charlie Appleby) 5

Dominated his rivals in the Craven and finished third when favourite for the 2000 Guineas. Has less than two lengths to find on Saxon Warrior, but the latter looks the one more likely to improve for the step up in distance and it is difficult to see Masar turning the tables. 5

ROARING LION (John Gosden) 6

Disappointed when long odds-on for the Craven, but was not beaten far into fifth place in the Guineas. It was impossible not to be impressed by the way he blew his rivals away in the Dante at York, but whether he will stay a mile and a half on rain-softened ground is another question.

SAXON WARRIOR (Aidan O'Brien) 10

Unbeaten in four starts to date and won the 2000 Guineas with something to spare. Connections seem adamant he has improved from that run and his pedigree gives him every chance of staying the mile and a half. His draw in stall one is not ideal, but he could prove a class apart.

SEVENNA STAR (John Gosden) 5

Unbeaten in two starts this year, most recently getting up in the shadows of the post in the Sandown Classic Trial. Ground conditions and the longer trip will suit, but this is a huge step up in grade.

THE PENTAGON (Aidan O'Brien) 5

Has looked a likely Derby contender ever since winning twice last summer. However, he had to make do with minor honours behind Saxon Warrior in the Racing Post Trophy and has not really enhanced his claims after being beaten in two starts so far this year.

YOUNG RASCAL (William Haggas) 9

Was seriously impressive on his seasonal reappearance at Newbury and was a good winner of the Chester Vase despite not appearing in love with the track. That has to be a slight concern coming to Epsom, but he is a fast-improving colt who will stay and handles cut in the ground, so has to be afforded the utmost respect.

VERDICT

Plenty of these can be given place chances, with Dee Ex Bee and Delano Roosevelt in particular of interest at the prices. However, it will be a surprise if either of that pair improve enough to challenge SAXON WARRIOR, who was dominant in the 2000 Guineas and is expected to keep his Triple Crown dreams alive. The progressive and unexposed Young Rascal is expected to give him most to think about.

What are the latest odds?

Prices correct at 10.30am on Saturday

• Saxon Warrior - 5/6
• Young Rascal - 9/1
• Roaring Lion - 10/1
• Hazapour - 10/1
• Delano Roosevelt - 12/1
• Masar - 16/1

What's our prediction?

Over to our expert.. find out Marlbrough's tip for today's Derby here - and all other races on a busy Saturday of racing.