Dutch Gold and Kris Kin get Derby nod
Clive Brittain gave Dutch Gold the thumbs-up for Epsom after the Victor Chandler Chester Vase winner delighted the veteran Newmarket trainer in a gallop before racing at Yarmouth.
Partnered by Philip Robinson, who will have the mount in the premier Classic, Dutch Gold finished upsides his lead horse at the end of the mile work-out.
“We’re very pleased,” said Brittain. “He has come on for his run at Chester and goes to Epsom with a real live chance,” he said.
Kris Kin, trained by Michael Stoute, has been given the green light for the Vodafone Derby instead of the French equivalent on Sunday.
He will be ridden at Epsom on Saturday week by Kieren Fallon.
“I think this year’s Derby is a wide-open affair,” said Joe Mercer, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.
Vodafone Derby betting:
Cashmans; 5/2 Refuse to Bend, 7/2 Brian Boru, 4/1 Alamshar, 14/1 The Great Gatbsy, 16/1 Dutch Gold, 20/1 Magistretti, 20/1 Norse Dancer, 22/1 Hold That Tiger.
Ladbrokes: 11-4 Refuse To Bend, 4-1 Alamshar, 12-1 Alberto Giacometti, 14-1 The Great Gatsby, 16-1 Dutch Gold, Magistretti, 20-1 Hold That Tiger, Norse Dancer, Shield, 25-1 Franklins Gardens, Kris Kin, Lateen Sails, 33-1 Dunhill Star, Graikos, Let Me Try Again, New South Wales, 40-1 bar.
Meanwhile, Norse Dancer is the only British-trained horse left in the Prix du Jockey Club following yesterday’s second acceptance stage.
The David Elsworth-trained colt, third in the Sagitta 2000 Guineas, is among 14 in the French Derby at Chantilly on Sunday.
Dalakhani and Super Celebre, the Prix Lupin first and second, are amongst those standing their ground. Alain de Royer-Dupre, Dalakahani’s trainer, has also declared Diyapour and Shedabad as possible pacemakers. Elie Lellouche, trainer of Super Celebre, may opt for a similar course of action with Risk Seeker.
Alberto Giacometti, Aidan O’Brien’s Prix Lupin third, is one of five Ballydoyle acceptors with Brian Boru, The Great Gatsby, Balestrini and Handel. The remaining acceptors in the Classic are Papineau, Coroner and Victory Taita.
Balestrini holds an alternative engagement in the other Group One event on the card, the Prix Jean Prat over nine furlongs.
The other two O’Brien entries in this contest are France and Great Pyramid.
Completing the six strong Anglo-Irish entry are Our Teddy (George Margarson), Napper Tandy (Jim Bolger) and Audience (Willie Haggas).
