Bell's extra motivation to prove cynics wrong

"William did the job with Shaamit and there's no reason why we should not do the same," he said. "It's all about getting your hands on the right ammunition, and I'm sure a few of the top stables would be delighted to have a horse like Motivator this year."

Bell blends racing's past and present in an unusual way. His grandfather Sir Stuart Menzies was head of the Secret Service during World War Two, while Bell himself served in the Life Guards in Canada, Germany and Northern Ireland before his father, Brian, helped set him up as a trainer in 1989.

Hints of a silver spoon background added fuel for those who feel Bell isn't destined to join the Derby roll of honour, but the man himself merely points to the record books as proof that he is ready for the challenge.

"We've worked bloody hard for our success and with around 750 winners and 50 stakes winners worldwide we aren't doing too badly," he said. "We've left no stone unturned to get Motivator there [Epsom] spot on and if we've done anything right in the whole preparation, it's to leave him alone rather than make him graft." Leaving Motivator alone as the tension builds on Saturday isn't an option, and Bell is aware of the need to keep his colt's edgy temperament in check during the drawn-out preliminaries.

"He will get fizzed-up but to a certain extent that's what we want to see," he said. "I don't think there's any reason to suspect he will fret his chance away, but all being well I do think he's a worthy favourite and he goes to Epsom with a leading chance."

Sadly, one key member of the family will be absent from Epsom, as Bell's father was taken ill just before last year's race and died shortly after it. "Dad would be loving this," added Bell. "He was a huge help as I got going, but I'm sure he will be looking down on us."

Michael Bell's lowdown on Motivator's main Derby rivals . . .

DUBAWI "A dual Group 1 winner and a class horse but a doubtful stayer in my view."
GYPSY KING "Likely to improve leaps and bounds from his Chester win and a threat."
ORATORIO "Good, reliable horse but beaten in Group 1 races and I can't have him."
THE GEEZER "Second to Motivator at York, on the up, but we beat him fair and square."
FRACAS "Level of form isn't good enough, but unbeaten and a threat if he improves."
WALK IN THE PARK "His trainer is a magician but Derby winners rarely line up having won one from six."
KONG "Form leaves him with something to find but looks an improving stayer who should run well."