O'Brien has enjoyed huge success in the Derrinstown

Aidan O'Brien's Midas Touch saw off the challenge of fellow 2-1 joint favourite Address Unknown to win the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.

It was O'Brien's eighth success in the Group Two race, a reliable indicator for the Epsom Derby, for which the colt has been trimmed to 14-1 by bookmakers.

Jockey Johnny Murtagh came from the back of the four-horse field to beat Address Unknown by two lengths.

The victory was welcome for O'Brien, after an indifferent start to the year.

"The horses have been very behind but we are getting there," said O'Brien.

"It has been a very bad winter and the last few years we have been slow to start, but perhaps this year has been slower than previous years."

At First Sight, who made the early running, finished in third place, with Reiteration coming last.

"[Midas Touch] finished the race very well and I believe it was a good time so I am delighted with it," added O'Brien.

"It was his first run and he was just ready to come and start, he'll come on a good bit for the run.

"It was a very true-run race, At First Sight was very green in front last time but today he went a good, even pace and you would have to be very happy with the result."

With the Derby approaching, O'Brien outlined his plans for his string of possible contenders.

"The plan is for Cape Blanco to go to the Dante," he said.

"He caught his heel when cantering this morning, but I hope it is going to be nothing and he is another who will come on for the run.

"If Jan Vermeer goes to the Derby he will need a run beforehand and that will have to come in the Irish 2000 Guineas. I would like him to have a run beforehand [at Epsom], but if we can't manage that he could go to the French Derby without a run.

"St Nicholas Abbey is in good form, he's not done anything since Newmarket and he will begin his Derby build-up this week."

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