Aidan O’Brien says it is ‘unlikely’ that Churchill will be running in the Derby next month.

The colt was made favourite for the Investec Derby at Epsom after his victory in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, but is almost certain to stay at a mile instead of going for the slightly longer distance.

“It looks like Churchill will go for the Irish Guineas, I’d say it’s very unlikely that Churchill will go for the Derby,” said O’Brien.

Churchill will be going at the Curragh this Saturday as he looks for the Classic double as he will bid to land the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Despite not having Churchill in the line-up, the bookmakers are still fancying O’Brien to claim the winner.

William Hill are offering 5/4 that he trains the winner. By far the worst result for Hills is the 4/1 joint favourite Cliffs Of Moher, which is 11/10 to finish highest of the O’Brien winners.

“In Churchill’s absence, Aidan O’Brien fans are backing Cliffs Of Moher and it is highly likely that he will become the favourite on his own shortly,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.

5/4 Aidan O’Brien To Train The Winner Of The Derby 

Number Of Aidan O’Brien Trained UK Classic Winners 2017: Evens Three, 9/4 Four, 7/2 Two, 10/1 Five

Top Aidan O’Brien Trained Runner for Investec Derby: 11/10 Cliffs Of Moher, 11/2 Venice Beach, 11/2 Yucatan, 13/2 Capri, 13/2 Douglas Macarthur, 12/1 Wings Of Eagles, 20/1 The Anvil

The Derby: 4/1 Cliffs Of Moher; 4/1 Cracksman; 10/1 Eminent; 12/1 Best Solution; 14/1 Permian (needs to be supplemented); 14/1 Yucatan; 14/1 Venice Beach; 16/1 Rivet;16/1 Capri; 16/1 Mirage Dancer; 16/1 Douglas Macarthur; 20/1 Dubai Thunder; 20/1 Orderofthegarter; 20/1 Best Of Days; 25/1 Waldgeist; 25/1 Rekindling; 25/1 Akihiro; 25/1 Atty Persse; 25/1 Benbatl; 25/1 Sir John Lavery; 25/1 Wings Of Eagles 33/1 Exemplar; 33/1 Franz Schubert; 33/1 Dubawi Prince; 33/1 Tamleek; 33/1 Salouen; 33/1 Cunco; 33/1 Titus; 40/1 Temple Church; 40/1 Frontispiece; 50/1 Call To Mind; 50/1 Tartini; 50/1 Finn Mccool; 50/1 Okool; 50/1 Glencadam Glory; 66/1 Syphax; 66/1 Lethal Impact; 66/1 Impact Point; 100/1 Unite The Clans; 500/1 Diore Lia