Most racegoers have already conceded this year's Derby to David Hayes' (right) Resfa.
And anyone who witnessed the demolition job he did on his rivals in the Classic Trial would be hard pressed to find a reason to oppose him.
But racing is a funny game and the work of Derby aspirants Desert Fox and Lord Of Warriors yesterday morning would have brightened their mentors no end.
Desert Fox was sent out out in the company of Smart Kid and, with big-race jockey Mick Kinane up, the pair ambled to the home turn before Kinane eased the reins and allowed Desert Fox to dash away from his stablemate.
It was good work from the Irish Derby placegetter and trainer David Oughton has plotted his campaign to the minute.
There has been gradual improvement in his condition since day one and any rain on raceday will bring him strongly into the reckoning.