Aidan O'Brien star a huge drifter in betting markets ahead of Epsom Derby
The Lion in Winter was the ante-post favourite for the classic throughout the winter, having enjoyed an unbeaten two-year-old campaign.
Sent off the 8/11 favourite for the Dante Stakes at York earlier this month, the son of Sea The Stars flattered to deceive in finishing sixth of 11 runners.
O'Brien reassured the racing public after his charge's season debut that he would be a different proposition come the Derby.
But the trainer's faith in the horse has not been reciprocated in the betting markets over the last twenty-four hours.
Having been 7/2 for the Epsom showpiece on Thursday night, The Lion In Winter's price has drifted to as big as 12/1 in places as of Friday evening.
Consequently, the three-year-old's stablemate Delacroix, an impressive winner of a derby trial at Leopardstown last time out, has hardened into the clear favourite and looks set to have Ryan Moore on board.
Betfred spokesperson Matt Hulmes said: 'There has been a lot of movement in both Betfred classic markets for next weekend at Epsom.
'The vibes surrounding The Lion In Winter in the market are far from positive which feels a lot more than jockey talk which preceded the earlier moves this week. The long time Ante Post favourite is out to 6/1, bigger than he was immediately following his Dante effort at York.
'Significant support has come for the other Ballydoyle pair. Delacroix is now a solid 15/8 favourite with Chester Vase winner Lambourn cut to 11/1 from 16/1.
'Betfred 2000 Guineas hero Ruling Court has also seen his first movement since Newmarket and is now joint-second favourite at 4/1 alongside Dante winner Pride Of Arras."
Likewise, Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "It's a tale of two market movers for Aidan O'Brien, and while Delacroix continues to pull away from the chasing pack, The Lion In Winter's Epsom Derby chances have taken a battering over the last few days, if the latest odds are anything to go by."
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