Motivator due for one last workout

Motivator is set to have his final gallop later this week before making his eagerly-awaited reappearance in the totesport Dante Stakes at York.

The Montjeu colt, trained by Michael Bell, is ante-post favourite for next month’s Vodafone Derby at a best-priced 6-1 on the strength of a faultless two-year-old campaign.

After winning his maiden at Newmarket last August by six lengths with subsequent 2000 Guineas second Rebel Rebel well back in fifth, he took the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in impressive style by two and a half lengths from Albert Hall.

Motivator may well meet the Aidan O’Brien-trained runner-up again in the Group Two contest on the Knavesmire tomorrow week.

“He is in great form and he’s all set for the Dante Stakes – that’s the plan,” said Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club, on Wednesday.

“His preparation has gone well so far and it’s all systems go. He worked well last week and will work again later this week and then that will be it before York.”

Although yet to race this season, Motivator had a televised gallop with a stablemate before last month’s fixture at Epsom.