Aidan O’Brien’s Mogul on Derby trail despite his setback in the King Edward VII Stakes

Aidan O’Brien says that Mogul remains central to his plans for the Investec Derby on July 4 despite his fourth place in Tuesday’s King Edward VII Stakes.

Ireland’s champion trainer added that Russian Emperor, who edged out the Queen’s First Receiver in Wednesday’s Hampton Court Stakes, might be considered for the French Derby — run 24 hours after the Epsom Derby — despite currently being the shortest-priced O’Brien runner in the Derby ante-post betting.

Mogul was sent off the 10-11 favourite on Tuesday but was beaten almost five lengths by Pyledriver.

Aidan O’Brien says that Mogul remains central to his plans for the Investec Derby next month

O’Brien said: ‘We were struggling with Mogul because we wanted to get two runs in before the Derby and we didn’t have the time.

‘That’s why we came to Ascot. We wanted to get a good run into him and let him get tired.

‘Russian Emperor looks like a horse which will get a mile and a quarter and might get a bit further. He’d have a choice of the Epsom and the French Derby.’

Peaceful, O’Brien’s Irish 1,000 Guineas winner, misses Saturday’s Coronation Stakes. The trainer said she and his English Guineas winner Love will be given an Oaks preparation, with one going to Epsom and the other filly taking in the French Oaks.

Favourite Mogul was beaten almost five lengths by Pyledriver (L) in the King Edward VII Stakes