Authorized stretches legs

Peter Chapple-Hyam expects Authorized to improve on his impressive display in the Dante Stakes when he contests the Vodafone Derby on June 2.

The red-hot Epsom favourite enjoyed a gentle exercise canter with stable companion River Alhaarth on the Limekilns on Tuesday morning, with regular work rider Noel O’Connor in the plate.

And Chapple-Hyam, who has his string in blistering form at present, could not be more pleased with how Derby preparations are going.

“He just enjoyed a nice canter with River Alhaarth – it was routine stuff,” he said.

“But I’m absolutely delighted with the horse. It seems as if his York race has brought him on.

“He will do one more proper piece of work between now and the Derby,” he told his website, www.peterchapplehyam.com.

Chapple-Hyam also revealed that River Alhaarth, runner-up to Toldo in the Northumberland Plate last season, will once again have the Newcastle showpiece as his target following a satisfactory reappearance at the weekend.