Authorized tops Derby hopefuls

Peter Chapple-Hyam’s hot favourite Authorized heads a field of 19 for Saturday’s Vodafone Derby at Epsom, after none of the five-day confirmations were withdrawn.

The mount of former champion jockey Frankie Dettori has oozed class on his last two racecourse appearances.

After winning the Racing Post Trophy on his final start as a juvenile, he reappeared in the Dante Stakes at York – historically one of the best trials for Epsom, and won as he liked.

Authorized will attempt to give Chapple-Hyam his second Derby after Dr Devious scored in 1992, while Dettori is famously still winless after 14 previous mounts in the race.

Heading the opposition is a team of eight from Aidan O’Brien’s stable in Ireland.

Acapulco, Admiralofthefleet, Anton Chekhov, Archipenko, Eagle Mountain, Mahler, Soldier Of Fortune and Yellowstone will all represent the Ballydoyle maestro who has struck in the past with Galileo and High Chaparral.

Aqaleem will attempt to give Marcus Tregoning back-to-back victories after Sir Percy’s win 12 months ago, while Michael Bell, successful with Motivator in 2005, has another live chance with Regime.

Strategic Prince has been declared by Paul Cole but will only run if the ground is suitable, while John Gosden runs Lucarno, a winner at Newmarket last weekend.

Michael Stoute runs Arabian Gulf, Godolphin rely on Eastern Anthem and local trainer Terry Mills has both Kid Mambo and Petara Bay in the line-up.

Salford Mill will attempt to give David Elsworth a first victory in the race while maiden Leander will take his chance for Brett Johnson.