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The Investec Derby picture was muddied even further after Moonlight Magic kept the Ballydoyle battalions at bay in Ireland's premier trial for Epsom.
The 6-1 winner, trained by Jim Bolger and owned by Godolphin, was cut into 12-1 (from 25) by BetVictor for the Derby but the search for Classic clarity continues, particularly as the first five home in the Derrinstown finished in a bit of a heap.
Aidan O'Brien, responsible for half the eight-strong field, was forced to settle for minor honours as Shogun, the mount of Ryan Moore, and Idaho, the 15-8 favourite, followed Moonlight Magic home.
Unbeaten in two starts last season, Moonlight Magic began his Classic campaign with a fifth in the Ballysax Stakes at the course, but he turned around form with Idaho and Beacon Rock (fourth) - who finished second and third behind Harzand last month - on better ground.
Taking over the lead a furlong out, the Cape Cross colt strode clear of his rival and had enough in reverse to hold off the late charges of the placed horses.
'I don't fear anything'
Winning jockey Kevin Manning hinted Moonlight Magic might be more the type for the Curragh, but Bolger seems intent on a trip to Epsom to try and replicate his achievements with New Approach in 2008.
"The other Derby contenders have been an even bunch this year," he said. "We can go there now anyway and I don't fear anything else in the race.
"He's a very good horse and temperamentally good. He won the race in a similar style to the way St Jovite did all those years ago, though of course he was beaten at Epsom.
"I think he is very versatile - he could run over 1m to 1m4f. I think he just didn't quite fire here on his first run back and he was quiet afterwards."
Bookmaker reaction
As well as cutting Moonlight Magic (10-1 from 25), Ladbrokes also shortened up Idaho (12-1 from 14) and Shogun (25-1 from 50) for the Derby.
Firm spokeswoman Hayley O'Connor said: "The Derrinstown invariably supplies Epsom clues and we're keen not to limit our reaction to the winning horse. Idaho and Shogun both enhanced their Classic credentials despite not winning."
Ladbrokes have the filly Minding at the top of their market at 5-2 (with a run). The Dante Stakes-bound Midterm is 3-1 with Chester Vase winner US Army Ranger next best at 5-1.
