Blue De Vega given investec derby entry

Bought privately by his current owners during the autumn, and subsequently an easy winner of the Gr.3 Kilavullan Stakes, the son of Lope De Vega is reported to be in fine form by his trainer.

O'Callaghan, who trains on the Curragh, said: "Blue De Vega's first target is the QIPCO 2000 Guineas [at Newmarket on April 30].

"He has done very well over the winter and I am very happy with how he is progressing through the spring. We have entered him for the Investec Derby because we think a bit of him. We will get Newmarket out of the way first and then take it from there.

"He has got a phenomenal amount of natural pace and that just makes you wonder whether he would get the Derby trip, but when you look at his pedigree, especially the dam side, he is very stoutly bred. There is a German Derby winner [Borgia] in there and also an Italian St Leger winner, while his sire won over a mile and a quarter.

"I think genuine good ground will be ideal for him. He only ran with cut in the ground last year because that is what was there on the day. I don't think he has much of a preference."

Blue De Vega is owned by Qatar Racing, Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Suhaim and Mohammed Al Kubaisi.

Qatar Racing's Katie's Diamond has been taken out of today's Gr.3 Prix Imprudence. Trainer Karl Burke withdrew the filly after rain turned the going heavy.

Overnight rain at Aintree has not been ideal for Pearl Bloodstock's Current Event, who runs over the National fences in the Crabbie's Fox Hunters' Chase. Katie Walsh rides the Rose Loxton-trained gelding, who was fourth last time out at the Cheltenham Festival.