Derby runners as football clubs: Which team best represents your fancy in the Epsom Classic?

THE Derby at Epsom is one of the great occasions in the British sporting calendar.

But this year’s contender’s are a real mixed bunch, much like a number of the top English football clubs. If the final field were football teams, who would they be?

Anthony Van Dyck – Manchester United

A powerful beast from a leading yard who flexed his muscles on occasions as a two-year-old.

But he came unstuck against the best and made heavy weather of beating up inferiors at Lingfield last time.

His performances haven’t always been easy on the eye but he has the ability to be a contender if putting it all in.

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Bangkok – Leicester City

Solid if unspectacular last year but he has shown real flair during the spring.

Outfoxed his rivals in fine style at Sandown in April and he is more than capable of upsetting a few of the big guns.

He carries the colours of the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and if he finds the back of the net emotions will no doubt run high.

Broome – Tottenham

No denying his talent but he was often the bridesmaid on the big stage last season, finding life particularly tough on the road.

But things have fallen his way this spring and he arrives here having snuck under the radar.

Not fancied by many at the start of the year but finds himself in with a real shot at the biggest prize imaginable.

Circus Maximus – Crystal Palace

He has made hard work of some simple-looking tasks in his career and following him hasn’t been easy.

But the ability to ruffle a few better-fancied feathers is there and he has a wily veteran guiding him in Frankie Dettori.

Could go well at a price but a midfield finish is most likely.

Hiroshima – Yeovil Town

Picked up for peanuts at the sales and made an underwhelming start to his campaign last year.

Briefly offered hope when opening his account in humble surroundings at Southwell but his supporters found themselves in the depths of despair at Lingfield last time.

Around a 250/1 chance and he is totally out of his depth in this company.

Humanitarian – Fulham

Expensive colt who is certainly capable of a slick performance in lesser company.

But he is sailing into choppy waters here and he will be found out.

Big doubts that he will stay the distance and he will benefit from dropping down the leagues.

Japan – Wolves

Shot up through the ranks last year and claimed a couple of notable scalps along the way.

He performed with plenty of encouragement on his return to the big time at York and wasn’t far behind the big boys.

Has plenty of admirers and, for all he is just below the top level at present, a breakthrough might not be far away.

Line Of Duty – Arsenal

Showed plenty of swagger as a two-year-old and when things are going his way he is a joy to watch.

But the wheels came off spectacularly in the Dante last time out, leaving his fan base raging.

Connections know they’ve got a rebuild on their hands and they have reached for cheekpieces now.

Madhmoon – West Ham

Has looked a very bright prospect at stages through his career and he has shown an iron-will at times.

But he has been found wanting the last twice and it’s been a rollercoaster for his followers.

He is capable of beating anyone on his day but he lacks the clout of those at the top.

Norway – Bournemouth

Capable of some attacking flair as he showed when opening his account by six and a half lengths last year.

While he claimed a win in a weak Listed race at Newmarket, he has proved vulnerable on the road lately.

Needs to rediscover his form to avoid slipping into a battle at the bottom.

Sir Dragonet – Manchester City

Exciting to watch and he has been utterly unstoppable this spring.

Blew his rivals away with pace, power and skill in the Chester Vase and he has been the one to beat ever since.

Looks a relentless galloper and he’s the one they all have to catch.

Sovereign – Huddersfield

Early promise in the form of a 14-length win at Galway, but that proved a false dawn.

It has been a struggle for him since, and he has been demoted through the Ballydoyle ranks and now props up the table as a 100-1 poke.

Likely we will see more from him later in the year when he is eased in class.

Telecaster – Chelsea

In red-hot form this spring and already has a big win next to his name in the form of the Dante.

His owners will surely have slapped a transfer ban on this colt, with a number of racing’s leading owners likely to be sniffing around.

He has a champion’s pedigree and ought to be firmly in the mix at the business end.