Godolphin to have Derby runner

Frankie Dettori has confirmed that Godolphin intend to have a runner in Saturday’s Vodafone Derby at Epsom.

Dettori did not reveal whether it would be Graikos or New South Wales who would line up in the Classic, but both are considered outsiders, with Coral offering 40-1 about Graikos and 50-1 New South Wales.

Graikos, who transferred to the Godolphin string from Andre Fabre’s yard last season, finished fifth behind Magistretti in the Tote Dante Stakes at York on his only start this season.

New South Wales, who was with John Oxx last year, has had just the one start this year too, finishing sixth of seven runners behind star French colt Dalakhani in the Group One Prix Lupin.

Both colts worked and Dettori said: “I was pleased to hear that we will be having a runner.

“I will ride either Graikos or New South Wales, so I am happy with that, and the boss will decide which one.”

Epsom clerk of the course Andrew Cooper believes the going, officially good, is “almost perfect” after more rain.

With the forecast now for dry weather until the start of racing on Friday, he is hopeful that conditions will be ideal.