Tenby and Commander poised to make history

HENRY Cecil can become the first trainer in 45 years to send out the winning quinella in the Derby at Epsom, and no-one could be more confident than the nine-times champion himself.

''I am absolutely thrilled with Tenby, and although I think there is improvement in Commander In Chief, I don't think we could have got him to the race any better. I'm delighted,'' Cecil said on the eve of the Classic.

When owner Prince Khalid Abdullah finalised his Derby team, relying on Tenby and Commander In Chief, and leaving Armiger possibly for the French Derby on Sunday (if the ground is soft enough), it was the signal for the serious betting to commence.

Tenby remains a very warm favourite, now at 4-6, with Lester Piggott's mount Fatherland, which is bound to be well-supported largely through sentiment, now the second favourite at 6-1.

There is no doubt that Commander In Chief, at 8-1 is enormous value - and a must for quinella combinations.

Over the years there have been many different types of Derby winner. The Minstrel was a fighter, who battled until the final bell; Troy kept pounding away, devouring the ground with every stride at the end of the staying test; while Shergar displayed galloping brilliance that had all the hallmarks of greatness.

But if there is one word to sum up Tenby, the neat, nuggety powerhouse of a horse, it is efficiency. Not brilliance, nor elegance, nor awesome power; just sheer ruthless efficiency.