The top American rider Chris McCarron is on the verge of bringing an intriguing trans-Atlantic element to the Irish Derby meeting as the home trainers finalise their big-race plans.

Aidan O'Brien last night intimated he will have three runners in the Derby while Dermot Weld will be represented by just Media Puzzle.

But it was McCarron who was the surprise presence at Leopardstown last night and the double Kentucky Derby-winning rider is on the lookout for weekend rides.

McCarron, who attracted some flak when brought from the US by Godolphin to ride their horses at Epsom, is in Ireland as the guest of a visiting American breeding association.

But the hall of fame member McCarron hasn't ruled out a working holiday and said: "Yes, it is possible I could ride at the Curragh. I haven't contacted any trainers personally and I've left it a little late but I'm hopeful something might come up."

Meanwhile Aidan O'Brien admitted it would be hard for Michael Kinane to turn down the ride on the Prix Lupin winner Ciro in the Derby. "It's very hard to get away from Group One form," O'Brien said, and he was ready to forgive Ciro his lacklustre effort behind Holding Court in the French Derby.

"The winner got away and left them for dead. Mick was on the favourite and had to chase him, which wasn't ideal," he said. "Not too many Woodman's stay a mile and a half but we always thought Ciro would stay as he has a big heart."

The Ballydoyle riding arrangements have yet to be finalised but with Kinane on Ciro, Seamus Heffernan would probably keep the Glyndebourne ride, with Damien Oliver on Shakespeare.