Rostropovich had won the Futurity Stakes GR 2 and was third in the National Stakes GR 1 as a 2YO. We all awaited his step up to a longer distance and the more favourable good ground. He lived up to expectations in the Dee Stakes Derby Trial at Chester, drawing clear inside the final furlong to win by a comfortable four lengths. He is now among the leading Aidan O’Brien horses for the Derby and it is a case of whether it will be the Epson Derby or the Prix du Jockey Club in Paris. Rostropovich was purchased by Coolmore, from Croom House at the Yearlling Sales in Newmarket. Coolmore also purchased Maybe at the Deauville Yearlng Sales from Croom House – Maybe is the dam of the Derby favourite Saxon Warrior.