Aidan O'Brien insisted again yesterday that the Derby favourite, Yeats, remains on course to try and retain his unbeaten record at Epsom.

The Ballydoyle trainer had reported on Saturday that Yeats had been "a shade stiff" after a piece of recent work but said he was not worried despite there being just two weeks until the big day.

"It's nothing to worry about but it being Yeats, and him being the favourite, I decided to let everyone know. I don't think it is anything and I think everything will be okay. I'm happy with him today.

"His pattern of work hasn't been changed. If it had been an ordinary horse I wouldn't have even mentioned it. He will do his last piece of serious work towards the end of the week," O'Brien said.

Yeats remains a 9 to 4 favourite with Ladbrokes and his trainer also insisted that the ground at Epsom will not be a worry.

"The ground will be no bother. I would be more worried about ground for the fillies. All Too Beautiful has a big, high, round action," O'Brien added.

Tonight's action is at Kilbeggan where Verchoyles Lad can defy a 12lb penalty for winning earlier this month over the course and distance of the handicap chase.

Breffni Flyer ran into the in-form Wests Awake at Fairyhouse and his 98 rating looks good enough to take the Beginners Chase.

Paul Carberry should take the three mile hurdle on Deep Return and could follow up on Horner Rocks in the handicap hurdle.