Aidan O’Brien is gearing up for the most intense Classic week of the year but could still squeeze in a couple of National Hunt winners at Ballinrobe this evening.

With Australia firmly on track for the Epsom Derby, and backed up by a conspicuously confident Coolmore boss John Magnier, Marvellous heads the Ballydoyle list of hopefuls for the Oaks on Friday week after her Irish 1,000 Guineas triumph at the Curragh.

Another weekend winner was Adelaide in the Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh and that colt remains in the mix for a quick reappearance in this Sunday's €1.5 million French Derby at Chantilly.

It is 31 years since the Vincent O’Brien-trained Caerleon completed back-to-back Irish wins in the Prix du Jockey Club following Assert’s 1982 in France’s premier Classic.

Sadler’s Wells finished runner-up in the 1984 French Derby while Dermot Weld’s Famous Name was just edged out in 2008 but despite Aidan O’Brien throwing plenty darts at the race in the last decade and a half none have hit the bullseye. Royal Ascot’s King Edward VII Stakes is an alternative later target for Adelaide over a mile and a half but O’Brien hasn’t ruled out a trip to France although he warned: “The problem with the French Derby since it has moved to 10 furlongs is that if you are drawn high it can be very difficult.”

Ballydoyle's primary focus, though, remains resolutely on Saturday week's Epsom Derby and despite last week's significant market support for Geoffrey Chaucer, Coolmore Stud boss John Magnier has stressed how the favourite Australia remains the team's number one hope.

“I would say people in Ballydoyle will be surprised if Australia doesn’t win – but racing isn’t that straighforward,” Magnier said. “It’s no secret we hold this horse in high esteem and we wouldn’t swap him for any other horse.”

Grade One runner-up Plinth looks to have a straight-forward task in tonight's Ballinrobe opener.