Small field boost for Derby favourite

Connections of Vodafone Derby favourite Motivator look likely to get their desired small field after just 15 were confirmed at the five-day stage for the blue riband at Epsom on Saturday.

The Michael Bell-trained colt is the 9-4 favourite with William Hill after recording an impressive success in the Dante Stakes at York.

That was just a third career start for Motivator but the son of Montjeu has been impressing in his work and Harry Herbert, racing manager of owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club, is hoping everything will go to plan this week.

“I spoke to Michael this morning and Motivator is ready to roll,” he said on Monday. “Michael is absolutely delighted with the way Motivator is and it is now just a matter of keeping him ticking over.

“It is very exciting and I hope everything goes smoothly beforehand. The smaller the field the better as far as we are concerned because there is then less chance of getting into trouble during the race.”