Michael Kinane has confirmed he will ride the favourite Hawk Wing as he bids for his second successive victory in the Epsom Derby on Saturday.

He ended speculation that he might switch to stable companion High Chaparral because of the prospect of soft ground.

Kinane had to decide by Thursday afternoon and has chosen to stick with the Sagitta 2000 Guineas runner-up.

Johnny Murtagh will be aboard High Chaparral.

Last year Kinane romped home on the Aidan O'Brien-trained Galileo, and the Irish trainer will saddle Hawk Wing as the duo look to repeat their success.

Kinane had the choice of either Hawk Wing or stablemate High Chaparral, who is second in the market.

Hawk Wing is bidding to become the first horse since Grundy in 1975 to follow a second place in the 2000 Guineas with victory in the Derby.

In this May's Guineas he finished a neck behind stable-companion Rock Of Gibraltar after being drawn on the unfavoured stands' side.

He produced a stunning burst of speed in the final furlong to almost get on terms.

But although he has wonderful acceleration, doubts remain about his Derby chances as his pedigree does not encourage confidence that he will stay the mile-and-a-half.

However, Hawk Wing is a very genuine individual who travels well in his races - always an asset when negotiating Tattenham Corner.

If he is able to conserve his powerful finishing burst until the final furlong he looks the one to beat, and trainer O'Brien has no doubt that he has a realistic chance.

"Hawk Wing has loads of speed and plenty of class and quickens well," said O'Brien.

"He has such pace. He'll be taking his time in the race.

"If he stays, he stays, and if he doesn't then he doesn't. That's how he'll be ridden."