THERE is only one Derby, if many imitations but one of those imitations – the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs – competes strongly with the original and has done for a long time. Following the Triple Crown year of the brilliant American Pharoah, US racing enthusiasts are dreaming of another with Nyquist, who was a superior winner of the first leg and remains unbeaten.

Timeform’s US franchise awarded the colt a sectionally-adjusted 123, compared to the race average of 120.6 and American Pharoah’s 127 at the same stage.