Dalakhani odds-on for another Derby
The French star maintained his unbeaten record in fine style in the Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly and surprisingly will not face a challenge at the weekend from Vodafone Derby hero Kris Kin.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt had been widely expected to be added to the Classic yesterday at a cost of £66,000 but his name was missing from the 11 that stood their ground at the noon forfeit and supplementary deadline.
The ground at the Curragh is riding on the fast side and, with a mainly dry week forecast, it was considered that it would be too quick for Kris Kin.
He will now be aimed at the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot next month.
Joe Mercer, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, said: "The ground is very firm out there I gather and we decided we'll leave it. The horse is fine, we would just prefer a bit of cut in the ground for him.
"I should think you will see him on July 26 the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes."
While Kris Kin is an absentee, the two immediately behind him at Epsom, The Great Gatsby and Alamshar, are on course for the race.
The former is one of six Aidan O'Brien-trained contenders, which also include Derby flop Brian Boru, Handel, High Country, Powerscourt and Roosevelt.
Alamshar's trainer John Oxx also has Alisar and Rayshan still in the race, with the first-named expected to take up pacemaking duties.
The field at this stage is completed by Jim Bolger's Napper Tandy, fifth in the Gallinule Stakes on his latest start.
Both Dalakhani and Alamshar are in the ownership of the Aga Khan but are expected to take each other on.
Pat Downes, racing manager to the Aga Khan, said of Dalakhani: "The plan is to run the horse and we are not concerned about the ground."
Another not concerned about the going is Curragh manager Paul Hensey, who described it yesterday as "perfect".
"It's disappointing from this end (the absence of Kris Kin) but he was never committed to the race," he said.
"They always say you should never budget for a bonus and it would have been a bonus if he had participated in the race.
"The ground is perfect here at the moment and we will probably water again tomorrow and there is some rain forecast. It's good to firm at the moment and is beautiful, safe ground. It still looks like being a great race.
"It's a small field but it's all quality I'm looking forward to it."
Paddy Power bet: 4-9 Dalakhani, 100-30 Alamshar, 5-1 The Great Gatsby, 16-1 Handel, Brian Boru, 33-1 Powerscourt, 50-1 Napper Tandy, 66-1 Rayshan, 100-1 Alisar, 150-1 High Country, Roosevelt.
Cashmans bet: 4-6 Dalakhani, 3-1 Alamshar, 9-2 The Great Gatsby, 10-1 Powerscourt, 14-1 Brian Boru, 25-1 Handel, 50-1 Napper Tandy, 250-1 Alisar.
