Godolphin’s G1 Investec Derby contender Masar has drawn 10, the most successful gate since starting stalls were introduced in the Classic in 1967.

With the Aidan O’Brien pair Nelson and Rostropovich defecting, a total of 12 runners are set to go to post for the 239th running of the world famous race, which is expected to be run on ‘softish’ ground at Epsom on Saturday.

Nine Derby winners have come from the 10 draw, including notables such as The Minstrel (1977), Generous (1991) and Galileo (2001).

Trainer Charlie Appleby has given an upbeat report about Masar, who he believes has the pedigree and mental toughness to cope with the frenzy and challenges of Derby Day on the Downs.

The son of Darley stallion New Approach, the 2008 Derby winner, comes to Epsom following an excellent third in the G1 2,000 Guineas on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile.

“He came out of the race well, and that Guineas form is solid. I still believe it to be the best ‘trial’ for the Derby this season, and of course, the winner Saxon Warrior is the one we all have to beat,” Appleby pointed out.

“But it’s been noted that Masar is much more mature mentally these days. The travel to America and Dubai has benefited him. He’s grown up a lot. I think he has the right mind to go to Epsom,” the trainer added.

There can be no underestimating the mental and physical stress involved for a young horse going to the Derby at Epsom, a unique track with its acute undulations and bizarre adverse camber.

“As we all know, it’s a big stage there and it can be a challenge to a lot of horses. But what I’ve seen in Masar of late is a colt who is much more grown up. He is taking all the preliminaries well,” Appleby said.

“If he conducts himself at Epsom as he did at Newmarket, it is going to be a big plus. On pedigree, he should stay, and he is now mentally where you would like a horse who is stepping up in trip to be. He’s very relaxed in his work.

“Hopefully, this will give William (Buick) every chance of settling him early and ensure he gets the trip. He’s a very well balanced horse, and he learnt plenty on those right bends at Del Mar (in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile) last November,” he added.