Paul Smith’s son of Mastercraftsman is second-favourite for the biggest race of the year and comes into the contest on the back of a decent run in the 2000 Guineas.

He was slowly away that day and a fast-ground mile at Newmarket proved too sharp for him.

The stamina test at Epsom looks set to suit and Roger couldn’t be happier with his condition.

He said: “Kingston Hill looks very well and we haven’t had a hitch with him since the Guineas – I am anticipating plenty of improvement for that run.

“He has got a good head on him so he should handle the excitements of Derby Day.

“We took him for a school around Epsom during Breakfast With The Stars and that was a worthwhile exercise. Andrea rode him and he went over the undulations very smoothly.

“I am not doing a rain dance, we will just take the ground as it comes. But it is comforting to know that if a storm hits Epsom, we already know that Kingston Hill goes on very soft ground. The ground will not be any faster than good whatever happens, which is fine.

“Like the weather, the draw is out of our hands so there is no point in worrying about him getting stall two. A mile and a half is a long way for them to sort themselves out and we will just have to hope that he gets a slice of luck at the right time.”

Kingston Hill