Durcan pencilled in for Mill

Ted Durcan has landed the plum mount aboard Salford Mill in the Vodafone Derby with Kerrin McEvoy set to be claimed for a Godolphin-owned runner in the premier Classic.

Durcan teamed up with David Elsworth’s colt when he was narrowly beaten on his reappearance, but McEvoy took the reins when Salford Mill stated his case for Epsom with an impressive triumph in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket.

Elsworth is mystified by Salford Mill’s recent poor gallop on the Rowley course but is still looking forward to the June 2 showpiece event.

He said: “I spoke to Kerrin’s agent and he thinks Godolphin will have a Derby runner. Ted had ridden the colt before, knows him, and we needed to get it sorted out.

“Salford Mill didn’t work as well as he usually does but our horse is in great form and is still on course for Epsom. He was fine afterwards.”

Elsworth’s charge bypassed a clash with Derby favourite Authorized in the totesport Dante Stakes at York last week.

And while the Newmarket handler was impressed by the winner, he feels Peter Chapple-Hyam’s star will be tested more thoroughly at Epsom.

“Authorized did it with authority but I don’t think he beat anything of note,” Elsworth added.

“On a line through the third home he could only win impressively. The Derby is another race and we’ll have to see.”