A total of 27 runners remain in contention for the Investec Derby on June 27. Pic: Courtesy Epsom.

By Simon Jackson.

Australia is out to 10-11 with Paddy Power for the Investec Derby as 27 runners remain in contention for the colts’ Classic at Epsom Downs on June 7.

The news follows solid support for the Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate Geoffrey Chaucer, who has reportedly excelled in track work at Ballydoyle this week.

The winner of both of his starts as a two-year-old, Geoffrey Chaucer didn’t get the best of runs when finishing a two and three-quarter length third to Fascinating Rock in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown on May 11.

He is now into 13-2 with the Irish bookmaker and a clear second favourite with all firms for Epsom.

“We’ve seen a hell of a lot of cash for Geoffrey Chaucer today and a racing insider told our representative at Sandown that he absolutely smashed Australia in a Ballydoyle gallop this morning,” Paddy Power said on Thursday.

Ladbrokes and William Hill have also seen significant support for the colt.

“We’ve seen some serious money for Geoffrey Chaucer – support that warrants real respect,” said Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams, who has him priced at 7-1.

“As a result, we have eased Australia into 4-5 from 4-6,” Williams continued.

William Hills offer 13-2. The firm’s representative John Ivan-Duke said: “Large bets on Ballydoyle inmates aren’t uncommon, but given this is a sizeable bet against the favourite, it’s really captured our attention.”

In other news, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Snow Sky, the two length winner of the betfred.com Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield 13 days ago, is now a confirmed runner in the Investec Derby.

“Following discussions with [owner] Prince Khalid and his racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe over the last few days, the Prince has indicated that he would like Snow Sky to go to Epsom,” Stoute said of his charge who is best priced at 25-1 (Paddy Power) for Epsom.

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.