Beckett is certain that Macduff can handle the trek for Derby

After seeing a glimpse of the renowned Epsom ground on Tuesday morning, Macduff, Deira Mile, and the once-raced Voyage are all poised to take a shot at the Betfred Derby.

The traditional Derby Festival gallops event featured four contenders for the first Classic, including Roger Teal's French 2000 Guineas runner-up Dancing Gemini, who thrilled connections in his early-morning session.

After placing second in the Sandown Classic Trial last month behind the Derby favourite Arabian Crown, the Ralph Beckett-trained Macduff is an especially intriguing competitor.

After experiencing a setback, Arabian Crown was later declared ineligible for the Derby. However, Beckett is excited to watch Macduff take the track under Rossa Ryan's guidance on June 1.

He said: “I’m very happy with the horse, he’s a very straightforward customer with the right mindset, who very much enjoys his work and gets on with it. He’s well-balanced and after a gap since he last ran, we needed to go somewhere and do something. I hope he will come forward for his run (at Sandown).”