Curtain Call firmly on target

Leading Vodafone Derby candidate Curtain Call is reported to be thriving following his canter around Epsom at the Breakfast With The Stars event on Thursday.

Luca Cumani’s Sadler’s Wells colt enjoyed a spin around the Downs under big-race pilot Jamie Spencer having been ruled out of the Lingfield Derby Trial at the 11th hour due to the fast ground conditions.

And with Dermot Weld yet to give concrete assurance that Casual Conquest will run, Curtain Call is shortening all the time, with William Hill now offering just 3-1.

Cumani’s wife Sara said: “So far things couldn’t have gone better and he is happy, well and cheeky.

“The fact he hasn’t raced since Nottingham last month means he is full of life and quite exuberant so it was a good idea to get him out to Epsom.

“He had a lovely day out, enjoyed himself and gave Jamie a great feel.

“He had a view of the course and will hopefully know what to do next weekend now.

“He does go so well on soft though and any rain would be welcome.”