Saturday, June 2, 2007

VODAFONE DERBY DAY, EPSOM DOWNS
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2007

Stephen Wallis, Managing Director at Epsom Downs, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved a similar crowd figure to last year, particularly in light of the fact that the Grandstand was halved in capacity due to the redevelopment.

“The Hill was packed with people and the unique Derby Day atmosphere was all over Epsom Downs.”

ON-COURSE TOTEPOOL TURNOVER TOPS £1 MILLION FOR FIRST TIME

On-course cash betting turnover with totepool passed the million pound barrier for the first time with £1,007,000 bet today, up 10 per cent on the level last year

Race 5 - Vodafone Derby - Initial Winning Quotes

IT’S FRANKIE’S DERBY

At the 15th attempt, Frankie Dettori landed the Vodafone Derby aboard Authorized, who scored by five lengths from Eagle Mountain.

The winner was trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, winning the race for the second time after Dr Devious in 1992, and owned by Saleh Al Homaizi and Imid Al Sagar.

Frankie Dettori: I didn’t know what I was screaming - I think it was ‘yeah come on!

“I knew I would be under pressure today but not as much as this!

“The horse was very relaxed and I knew I had the leaders covered - he has such a tremendous turn of foot.

“I just gave him a couple of smacks inside the final furlong although he probably didn’t deserve it.

“I thought the whole world was shouting at me inside the final furlong.

“After I’d won, I had to pinch myself to convince myself he had won.

“It was wonderful for my father and all my supporters to be here today.”

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam, winning his second Vodafone Derby after Dr Devious in 1992 said: “I always knew Authorized was a very good horse from day one. He has never let me down.

“Winning the Derby second time around is definitely better than the first time.

“He has a tremendous turn of foot - that’s the difference between a good horse and a very good horse.

“I thought he might be a bit far back at one stage but he has so much class.

“I told Frankie to ride him as if he owned him.

“You have to enjoy these moments.

“It’s about the horse and everyone at home. It’s not just about me - it’s their day.”

Part-owner Saleh Al Homaizi added: “Everything was fine with the horse’s preparation for today.

“He was in good form and I just hoped for some luck today.

“I have always dreamt about winning the Derby and I am also so pleased for Frankie and Peter.

Imid al Sagar, Authorized’s other joint-owner said: “”This is a dream come true.

“It was a fine ride from Frankie and Peter’s preparation was spot-on.”

MORE VODAFONE DERBY QUOTES

IRISH DERBY NEXT FOR VODAFONE DERBY RUNNER-UP

Vodafone Derby runner-up Eagle Mountain, the first home of eight Aidan O’Brien-trained runners, could bid for compensation in the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

The Rock Of Gibraltar colt was no match for five-length winner Authorized but finished strongly from a long way off the pace to take second spot.

O’Brien said: “He ran a blinder and if everything’s well then he’ll go to the Irish Derby.”

The master of Ballydoyle added: “Soldier Of Fortune ran a good race to be fifth and Wayne Lordan was delighted with him.”

Eagle Mountain’s jockey Johnny Murtagh, who had only three behind him at Tattenham Corner, commented: “I was in a bad position and thought I was bit too far back so he ran a great race but he wouldn’t have beaten the winner.”


The Marcus Tregoning-trained Aqaleem pleased winning rider Richard Hills after finishing third on only his fourth start.

Hills said: “I’m very pleased with him, he’s very brave. He had a tricky draw but we got a good position and he ran really well.”


Trainer Paul Cole, who prevaricated about running Strategic Prince on the ground, decided to let his colt take his chance after the official going changed to good after the first race.

The colt beat only one rival home in finishing 16th and Cole said: “Eddie Ahern reported he didn’t handle the ground and he basically didn’t stay.”


Singapore-based rider Mark Gallagher was having his first Vodafone Derby ride aboard the Brett Johnson-trained outsider Leander, who finished 14th, having jetted in from the Far East.

He said: “For a maiden, he’s run a cracking race. He just lost his position coming down the hill but when we hit the rising ground he really ran on and gave me a great ride.”


TREGONING DELIGHTED WITH ‘PROPER HORSE

MARCUS TREGONING heaped praise on his gallant Aqaleem, who finished third to Authorized in the Vodafone Derby.

Tregoning said: “I am thrilled with him. It was always going to be difficult from that draw of 2 but Richard gave him a super ride.

“He has run a great race and is an improving type of horse. We would rather have won but you can’t complain about that.

“There is no rush to make a decision about where he will go next. Ascot may come too quick for him.

“But I think he is going to be better as a four-year-old. He is a proper type of horse and I couldn’t be more delighted with him. He has run a good race.”

Tregoning was also generous in his praise for the ultra-impressive winner.

He said: “The winner is obviously a fantastic horse and I am delighted for Peter. He deserves a good winner and that was a wonderful performance.”

John Gosden, trainer of fourth-placed Lucarno, said: “He has run a blinder. He is still a little bit inexperienced but he has handled the track.

“The winner is exceptional - he looked a proper Derby horse. But the second, third and fourth have plenty to be proud of. We are thrilled with him and will think about races like the King Edward VII and the Grand Prix de Paris.”

Harry Herbert, from Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - owners of 13th-placed Regime - said: “Martin (Dwyer) thinks the horse might have tweaked a muscle early in the race. He was always struggling. He just looks a little bit sore. Martin eased him up. But what an impressive winner.”


MORE VODAFONE DERBY JOCKEY QUOTES

Johnny Murtagh, rider of Eagle Mountain (2nd), said: “I got squeezed up on the Hill and was too far back.”

Richard Hills, rider of Aqaleem (3rd), said: “I got a bit of breathing space after three furlongs but I was very happy with the position I got him in and he ran a good race.

“He’s an old fashioned type of horse, a real galloper and stayer, and we were expecting a place and he was a very creditable third.”

Steve Drowne, who partnered Lucarno (4th), said: “He gave me a cracking ride round. He dropped the bit and fell asleep early on, which is what you want, in a race like this. This was only his fourth run and he still had a bit of greenness but he picked up and galloped all the way to the line. I did lose a bit of momentum when I had to pull him out and maybe we might have been third otherwise. I think he’s a nice horse.

“The win was great for Frankie, he handled the pressure well.”

Wayne Lordan, rider of Soldier Of Fortune (5th), said; “He ran very well but probably needs further.”

Declan McDonogh, rider of Anton Chekhov (12th), said: “The ground was probably a bit lively for him.”

Kevin Tork, owner of rank outside Leander (14th), said: “I was delighted with that run, he finished fourth last but beat three home. People said he would be tailed off but I’m very pleased with how he ran.”

Dane O’Neill, who rode Petara Bay (15th), said: “He never ran his race and felt flat the whole way round.”


MORE DERBY QUOTES - UNPLACED HORSES

Colm O’Donoghue, rider of Yellowstone (8th), said: “I am delighted and he did everything right. They went a good pace and he stayed on really well. The best horse won on the day.”

Pat Smullen, rider of Mahler (11th), said: “He ran okay but he needs to go up in trip and lacked a bit of experience.”

Mark Gallagher, rider of Leander (14th), said: “For a maiden he couldn’t handle it and didn’t have the experience. He picked up and ran on.”

Fran Berry, rider of Acapulco (9th), said: “He ran a nice race but wants soft
ground - he’ll be alright.”

Ted Durcan, rider of Salford Mill (6th), said: “He ran a smashing race and if it wasn’t for the racetrack he would have been second otherwise.”

David Elsworth, trainer of Salford Mill (6th), said: “We were always there but then in the last two furlongs? It didn’t help that I couldn’t see as the cameraman stuck on the winner.”

Martin Dwyer, rider of Regime (13th), said: “He struggled to hold a position and might have tweaked something coming down the hill.”

Joe Fanning, rider of Kid Mambo (7th): “He ran a good race but the trip may have stretched his stamina a bit. So, a drop back in trip might help him - I think he’ll be a good horse over a mile and a quarter.”

Oliver Cole, son and assistant to trainer Paul Cole, said of Strategic Prince (16th): “He didn’t stay and didn’t like the tacky ground. We’ll look at something after Royal Ascot now as that is too close.”

John Warren, director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, owner of Regime (13th) said, “He might have tweaked a muscle and was never travelling in the race. We’ll leave him for another day and we are very disappointed as we felt unusually bullish which is unlike us. He was nowhere near - if he had been 10 lengths closer we would still have been disappointed.”


PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

"My heart stopped beating at the furlong-pole"

Frankie Dettori, walking in the clouds as he reflected on Authorized's awesome five-length trouncing of the Vodafone Derby field, was quick to thank Sheikh Mohammed for allowing him to ride the 5-4 favourite.

Dettori said: "I have worked for Sheikh Mohammed for 13 years and we have had our highs and lows, but he is the guy who pays the bills and, if it were not him, I would never have had the chance to ride such a great horse.

"I was surprised how quickly he decided to release me, especially as Godolphin still had three horses in the race, but he is a true sportsman and if ever I am lucky enough to win a second Derby I sincerely hope that it is for 'the boss'.

"When I was a child, it was always the dream to win the Derby, King George and the Arc, and now I have finally nailed all three.

"I have been lucky to have won all the Classics. I've been champion jockey and I'll obviously never forget the Magnificent Seven at Ascot, but the Derby was becoming a monkey on my back, and now I have finally won it at the 15th attempt.

"But you can forget all ideas of me retiring. I have five kids who need feeding, and as long as Sheikh Mohammed still employs me I will carry on riding. Perhaps in 10 years time I will call it a day, but at least now I have the satisfaction that I will be able to look back and know that I conquered the highest peaks in my own sport."

Dettori had not ridden a winner since returning from injury following his fall at Goodwood on May 25, and he admitted that the pressure was intense.

He added: "I thrive on pressure, but the last week has been unreal and I have not slept for two nights.

"But I knew I was riding a great horse and that he had been working brilliantly, and Peter (Chapple-Hyam) told me to be confident and ride him as if I owned him.

"This is the first day that I have felt fully fit since I came back, but they went a serious gallop and, though there were 10 horses in front of me at the top of the hill, I knew that they had gone so fast that they could not possibly keep it up.

"Four and a half furlongs out, I took a peep under my arm and was glad when I only saw daylight, and when I asked him to stretch at the two-pole the response was electric.

"My heart seemed to stop beating at the furlong-pole and I had to pinch myself passing the post - it had all been so easy. I had expected a dog-fight, but it was as smooth as an oil painting.

"The other jockeys could not get anywhere near me afterwards - I could hear them shouting 'well done' but they were a furlong behind.

"The Derby is always a rough race, but things could not have gone better. It is probably the first year that I have not got knocked over.

"You are always finding new goals in this game, and tomorrow I want to win the French Derby, but first I need a glass of champagne. It is time to start celebrating."


PETER CHAPPLE-HYAM PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Sponsors Corals make Authorized 4-5 favourite to top up Epsom celebrations in the Eclipse at Sandown next month, and Peter Chapple-Hyam confirmed that, provided the colt comes out of the Derby in good form, his next race will be at Esher on July 7.

Chapple-Hyam said:”Authorised had the perfect preparation, and he enjoyed a perfect ride in what was a perfect race for a perfect horse.

“He is not a typical mile and a half horse, but he gets the trip through his sheer class. He travels and he has a serious turn of foot. I am very lucky to have him.

“Things simply don't come any better than the feeling I have just now, and, while I don't take drugs, I do drink and smoke, but neither of those can compare with this magical feeling.

“When I won the Derby with Dr Devious, I was in a total haze throughout, and I was so wound up that I did not really enjoy the day.

“This time I was determined to enjoy it and have fun.

“I was more relaxed - well a little bit - and this more than makes up for WBA not clinching their place in the Premiership by beating Derby on Sunday.”


ARCHIPENKO

Archipenko, who finished last in the Vodafone Derby, lost his action coming the hill, trainer Aidan O’Brien’s representative told the stewards.

FIFTH RACE RESULT

4:20pm VODAFONE DERBY
Class 1, Group 1, £1,250,000 guaranteed, 1m 4f 10y, for 3yo entire colts and fillies. Entries: 596 pay £315; 1st forfeit: 165 pay £1,000; Second stage entries: 5 pay £8,000; 2nd forfeit: 20 pay £3,000 & 2 pay £2,000; Confirmations: 19 pay £2,500; Penalty Value 1st £709,750; 2nd £269,000; 3rd £134,625; 4th £67,125; 5th £33,625; 6th £16,875

1 AUTHORIZED (Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar) Peter Chapple-Hyam 3-9-00 Frankie Dettori [14] 5/4F
2 EAGLE MOUNTAIN (Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Johnny Murtagh [8] 6/1
3 AQALEEM (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Marcus Tregoning 3-9-00 Richard Hills [2] 9/1
4 LUCARNO (George Strawbridge) John Gosden 3-9-00 Steve Drowne [17] 16/1
5 SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Wayne Lordan [9] 14/1
6 SALFORD MILL (Tony Thompson) David Elsworth 3-9-00 Ted Durcan [11] 20/1
7 KID MAMBO (Jeff Daniels) Terry Mills 3-9-00 Joe Fanning [19] 50/1
8 YELLOWSTONE (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Colm O'Donoghue [16] 28/1
9 ACAPULCO (Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Fran Berry [5] 66/1
10 ADMIRALOFTHEFLEET (Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier, Niarchos Family) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Seamus Heffernan [15] 14/1
11 MAHLER (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Pat Smullen [6] 20/1
12 ANTON CHEKHOV (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Declan McDonogh [4] 50/1
13 REGIME (Highclere Thoroughbred Racing XL) Michael Bell 3-9-00 Martin Dwyer [7] 20/1
14 LEANDER (Kevin Tork) Brett Johnson 3-9-00 Mark Gallagher [3] 100/1
15 PETARA BAY (Slavica Ecclestone) Terry Mills 3-9-00 Dane O'Neill [12] 100/1
16 STRATEGIC PRINCE (HRH Sultan Ahmed Shah) Paul Cole 3-9-00 Eddie Ahern [18] 20/1
17 ARCHIPENKO (Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Michael Kinane [10] 13/2

Time: 2m 34.77s; Distances: 5, 2½, head, ½, 3/4, 1 3/4, neck, 3½, short head, 6, 2, 8, 2½, 1, 13, 4
Non-runners: Arabian Gulf (vet certificate), Eastern Anthem (ground)
Breeder: Marengo Investments & Knighton House Ltd & Michael Kinane
Breeding: Montjeu (IRE) - Funsie (FR) (Saumarez)
Tote Win: £2.30 Places: £1.10, £2.70, £2.60 Exacta: £13.60
17 ran

Winning trainer:-Name: Chapple-Hyam, Peter William Based: St Gatien, All Saints Road, Newmarket, Suffolk Date of birth: 2/4/63 Date of first licence:1991 Previous Occupation: Assistant to Barry Hills. Trained at Manton, now occupied by Brian Meehan. Returned from spell training in Hong Kong at the beginning of 2004 Other details: From Coventry but supports West Bromwich Albion FC British Classic wins: (3) Stan James 2000 Guineas (1992 Rodrigo De Triano), Vodafone Derby (1992 Dr Devious, 2007 Authorized) Wins in a season (1991-2006): 27; 41; 52; 39; 37; 52; 37; 37; n/a; n/a; n/a; n/a; n/a; 30; 32; 40 Horses in training (1992-2007): 73; 79; 98; 96; 113; 84; 86; 96; n/a; n/a; n/a; n/a; 40; 71; 71; 74 Wins in 2007: 12 Other major wins include: Champion Stakes (1992 Rodrigo De Triano, 1995 Spectrum), Cornwallis Stakes (2005 Hunter Street), Dee Stakes (2004 African Dream), French 2000 Guineas (1998 Victory Note), Grand Criterium (1996 Revoque), Irish Champion Stakes (1992 Dr Devious), Irish 2,000 Guineas (1992 Rodrigo De Triano, 1994 Turtle Island, 1995 Spectrum), Italian Derby (1993 White Muzzle, 1997 Single Empire), Juddmonte International Stakes (1992 Rodrigo De Triano), July Stakes (2004 Captain Hurricane), Prix de l’Abbaye (1997 Carmine Lake), Prix de la Salamandre (1996 Revoque), Prix Morny (2006 Dutch Art), Racing Post Trophy (1998 Commander Collins), Richmond Stakes (2004 Montgomery’s Arch, 2006 Hamoody), Shadwell Middle Park Stakes (1991 Rodrigo De Triano, 2006 Dutch Art)

Winning jockey:-Name: Dettori, Lanfranco.Born: 15/12/70 in Milan, Italy First winner: Rif (Turin, Italy, November 16, 1986), First British winner: Lizzy Hare (Goodwood June 9, 1987) First Success: Rif (Turin, Italy, November 16, 1986) Other Achievements: Received Bill Shoemaker Award for outstanding performance by a jockey at 2006 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs British Classic wins: (12) Vodafone Oaks (1994 Balanchine, 1995 Moonshell, 2002 Kazzia); St Leger (1995 Classic Cliche, 1996 Shantou, 2005 Scorpion, 2007 Sixties Icon); 2000 Guineas (1996 Mark of Esteem, 1999 Island Sands), 1000 Guineas (1998 Cape Verdi, 2002 Kazzia); Vodafone Derby (2007 Authorized) Other major wins include: Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2006 Ouija Board), Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (2004 Wilko), Breeders’ Cup Mile (1994 Barathea), Breeders’ Cup Turf (1999 Daylami, 2006 Red Rocks), Canadian International Stakes (2000 Mutafaweq), Cheveley Park Stakes (2000 Regal Rose, 2003 Carry On Katie), Coral-Eclipse Stakes (1998 Daylami; 2004 Refuse To Bend), Deutsches Derby (1991 Temporal), GNER Doncaster Cup (2006 Sergeant Cecil), Dubai World Cup (2000 Dubai Millennium, 2003 Moon Ballad, 2006 Electrocutionist), Fillies’ Mile (1990 Shamshir, 1999 Teggiano, 2000 Crystal Music), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2005 Alkaased), Grosser Preis Von Baden (2002 Marienbard), Prix Vermeille (2003 Mezzo Soprano), Haydock Sprint Cup (1999 Diktat); Irish Champion Stakes (1998 Swain, 1999 Daylami, 2001 Fantastic Light, 2002 Grandera); Irish Oaks (2001 Lailani, 2003 Vintage Tipple), Irish Derby (1994 Balanchine), Irish 2000 Guineas (2000 Bachir, 2005 Dubawi), Irish St Leger (1999 Kayf Tara); Japan Cup (1996 Singspiel, 2002 Falbrav, 2005 Alkaased); Juddmonte International (1996 Halling, 1997 Singspiel, 2001 Sakhee), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (1995 Lammtarra, 1998 Swain,1999 Daylami, 2004 Doyen), Lockinge Stakes (2000 Aljabr), Middle Park Stakes (1996 Bahamian Bounty, 1998 Lujain, 2006 Dutch Art), Nunthorpe Stakes (1993 Lochsong, 1995 So Factual, 1998 Lochangel), Prix de l’Abbaye (1993, 1994 Lochsong, 2004 Var), Poule d’Essai des Poulains (1995 Vettori, 2000 Bachir, 2005 Shamardal), Prince of Wales’s Stakes (2001 Fantastic Light, 2002 Grandera), Prix d’Ispahan (1996 Halling, 2002 Best Of The Bests), Prix Jacques le Marois (1999 Dubai Millennium, 2000 Muhtathir, 2006 Librettist), Prix de la Foret (2006 Caradak); Prix de la Salamandre (1998 Aljabr); Prix Maurice de Gheest (1999 Diktat); Prix Jean Prat (1995 Torrential, 1997 Starborough, 1998 Almutawakel), Prix du Cadran (2006 Sergeant Cecil), Prix du Jockey-Club (1992 Polytain, 2005 Shamardal), Prix Marcel Boussac (1996 Ryafan, 2001 Sulk), Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (1995 Lammtarra, 2001 Sakhee, 2002 Marienbard), Prix du Moulin (2001 Slickly, 2006 Librettist), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1990 Markofdistinction; 1996 Mark of Esteem, 1999 Dubai Millennium), Racing Post Trophy (2006 Authorixed), St James’s Palace Stakes (1997 Starborough), Sussex Stakes (1991 Second Set, 1999 Aljabr, 2001 Noverre); Vodafone Coronation Cup (1996 Swain, 1997 Singspiel, 1999 Daylami, 2001 Mutafaweq), Yorkshire Oaks (1994 Only Royale), Vodafone Nassau Stakes (2001 Lailani, 2006 Ouija Board) Wins 1987-2006: 8, 22, 75^, 141, 94, 101, 149, 233*, 216*, 123, 176, 132, 132, 47, 94, 69, 101, 195*, 87, 131 (^Champion apprentice *Champion jockey) Wins in 2007: 16

DECISION ON STRATEGIC PRINCE AFTER FIRST RACE

A decision will be made on the participation of Strategic Prince in the Vodafone Derby after the running of the first race, the Vodafone Make The Most Of Now Handicap (2.00pm).

Trainer Paul Cole said: “His Highness (HH Sultan Ahmed Shah, owner of Strategic Prince) is going to have a word with Richard Quinn after the first race to see what the ground is like.

“It doesn’t look as if the ground is really going to be suitable for Strategic Prince and he may not get the trip, but there is only one Derby Day so we may take our chance.”

AHERN FINED BY STEWARDS

Eddie Ahern was fined £275 by the Stewards after the concluding Vodafone Group Services Stakes at Epsom Downs on Friday, June 1.

Ahern was found to be in breach of Rule 162 (iv) after failing to stay within the vicinity of the weighing room for five minutes after the “Weighed In” signal had been given.

The rider finished unplaced aboard the Peter Makin-trained Cesc in the seven-furlong contest.

RACE 1 SATURDAY - VODAFONE MAKE THE MOST OF NOW HANDICAP

ROYAL ASCOT NEXT FOR BATTLING ZAHAM

Mark Johnston-trained runners are nothing if not game and Zaham upheld the stable reputation with a battling effort to take the first race on Vodafone Derby Day 2007, the Vodafone Make The Most Of Now Stakes.

Zaham, who scored over today’s 10-furlong distance at Newbury on May 19, tracked the pace in second under Richard Hills prior to taking the lead two furlongs out.

The Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Silver Hawk colt was headed briefly inside the distance and received a bump from eventual runner-up Fever, before reasserting his authority for a neck victory.

Johnston said: “I thought he was going to be second and was frantically looking at my racecard to see if the horse passing him was one of the hard luck stories from Newbury.

“I think those hard luck stories were rubbish and he won on merit then. He showed all the characteristics that day that he did here. He’s got speed to put himself there and he’s got speed to quicken, and he stays the trip.

“Richard (Hills) said he’s incredibly speedy for a Silver Hawk. Through the winter we thought he might be a sprinter!”

The Middleham trainer is eyeing a prize at Royal Ascot for his charge and almost didn’t run him in the Epsom Downs contest.

“Royal Ascot was always the plan and we weren’t thinking about coming here, but then I thought there was no logic to not running him as it’s a valuable prize.

“He wasn’t rated high enough for the Hampton Court Stakes but he could be a candidate now after that perfomance.”

Fever, the Royal Ascot Racing Club’s first Epsom runner since Motivator won the the 2005 Vodafone Derby, ran a good race to come second.

“He (Jimmy Quinn) thought he’d come there to win his race but Mark’s horse just kept coming back,” said Harry Herbert, racing manager of the Club. “But he ran a great race and is gutsy and improving. We’ll see what the handicapper does and might look at Royal Ascot.”

ZAHAM IMPROVES AGAIN

Mark Johnston, trainer of the winner Zaham said: “That was fantastic.

“Two furlongs out I saw he was being challenged but I didn’t know which horse was challenging him and I thought we were going to be second.

“There was a lot of nonsense talked about his win at Newbury last time. I don’t believe in ‘hard luck stories’ - Zaham won on merit at Newbury and has won on merit again today. The handicapper obviously thought he won on merit at Newbury as well!

“We have a dilemma about which race to go for at Royal Ascot. He could go for the King George V Handicap (1m 4f) or the Britannia Handicap (1m). The Hampton Court Stakes (1m 2f) is another option - I will have to speak to Sheikh Hamdan.”

Winning jockey Richard Hills said: “This horse is improving all the time and his great asset is his speed.

“He just took a while to find his momentum but is really tough and fought back well.

“I would call it good ground out there today. As we cantered down to the start I thought the ground that had been used yesterday had dried out a lot where it had been chopped up.

“The ground should be fine for Aqaleem in the Derby. The draw is my biggest concern as it could be a rough race . You will just have to ride it as you find it.”

GOING CHANGE

Following the running of the first race, the going is now:

GOOD


GROUND

After the first race, the following jockeys reported the ground as:

Richard Hills, rider of winner Zaham, said: “Good.”

Richard Hughes said: “It couldn’t be better ground.”

Richard Quinn said: “A bit loose.”

Martin Dwyer: “Good ground - perfect.”

Daragh O’Donohoe said: “It seems dead on the straight, otherwise on the slow side.”

Frannie Norton said: “It’s just good ground.”

Jimmy Quinn, John Egan and Nicky Mackay said: “Good.”

Kerrin McEvoy said: “On the slow side of good.”

Paul Hanagan said: “Beautiful - it’s skipping off the top and is maybe a little bit dead, but they’ve done a great job.”

Joe Fanning said: “I thought that it was good ground with a bit of juice in it and it’s flicking off the top.”

Steve Drowne said: “It’s approaching good and is nearer good than good to soft.”

Neil Callan said: “It’s riding perfect on the fresh ground, but a little bit off the fresh ground it’s chopped up and deader.”


RACE 2 SATURDAY - VODAFONE WOODCOTE STAKES

DAY STARTS WELL FOR CHAPPLE-HYAM

The day started perfectly for Peter Chapple-Hyam, trainer of red-hot Vodafone Derby favourite Authorized, after Declaration Of War landed the Vodafone Woodcote Stakes.

The trainer said: “He did everything wrong and today was a bit like Lyphard coming round the bend but still won well.

“Robert (Havlin) has given him a great ride and got the horse sorted out.

“He will improve again as he has been slow on the uptake.

“I’m delighted for the owners as they have always supported me and he could now go to Royal Ascot.”

Looking ahead to Authorized, Chapple-Hyam continued: “Declaration Of War and Authorized have never worked together so there are no clues there!

“I’m off to sit in the car now and listen to England get stuffed in the rugby - I don’t like people!

“I first saw Frankie Dettori today when his bum went past the winning post. If he listens to me we will be fine!”


CHAPPLE-HYAM’S ‘DECLARATION’ OF INTENT

PETER CHAPPLE-Hyam made the perfect start to Vodafone Derby day with Declaration Of War landing the Vodafone Woodcote Stakes.

The trainer, who later saddles the favourite Authorized in the colts’ Classic, was celebrating after his two-year-old son of Okawango obliged in the six-furlong Listed race.

Connections will now mull over a tilt at the Coventry Stakes after the unbeaten Declaration Of War colt scored by a length from Bespoke Boy to enhance his credentials.

Chapple-Hyam said: “That was fantastic and I’m so pleased for his owners (the Mercer family).

“He is a decent horse and proves that my two-year-olds aren’t too bad.

“The race wasn’t run to suit and he ran wide on the bend. Luckily he is a good horse. Rab (Robert Havlin) straightened him out and got him balanced again. It was a superb ride.

“He will improve again and if the owners want to go to Royal Ascot, we will give the Coventry a crack and he wouldn’t be without a chance there.”

Cashmans cut him to 6-1 (from 12s) for the six-furlong Group 2 at Royal Ascot (June 19).

BESPOKE BOY BOUND FOR ASCOT

The Patrick Haslam team are planning a trip to Royal Ascot with Bespoke Boy, who, ridden by Frankie Dettori, went down with all guns blazing in the Vodafone Woodcote Stakes, in which he beat all but Coventry Stakes-bound Declaration of War.

"Bespoke Boy has bags of speed, and he'll now drop back a furlong and run in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot," declared Ben Haslam, whose father Patrick trains this 45,000 guineas son of Acclamation.

Dettori, who must have felt he had nailed his first winner since returning from injury, was impressed with the Ripon winner, observing "he gave me a lovely ride, and, though he got the six furlongs, dropping back in trip won't be a problem."

Mount Pleasure might have lost his unbeaten record in finishing third, but he was giving 3lb to the first two and Martin Dwyer, his rider, said:"He has run a blinder - he is so tough and kept on battling."

However, Richard Hughes, who could finish only fifth on Chester's Lily Agnes Stakes winner Cracking, felt the colt did not handle the track.

He said:"Cracking has run well, but he just did not get a grip with the undulations. I was sure he would, because he had won at Brighton and Chester, but this is a unique place and until you bring them here you never know."

RACE 3 SATURDAY - VODAFONE DIOMED STAKES

BREAK FOR GALLANT KNIGHT

Trainer John Quinn plans to give Blythe Knight a rest until later in the year after the seven-year-old landed the Group Three Vodafone Diomed Stakes.

“He’ll probably have a break now and come back in the autumn when there are a few Group 3 races for him, including the race on the Saturday before the Arc,” said Quinn. “Then we’ll have another think about whether to send him jumping again.

“I thought Graham Gibbons gave him a smashing ride today and he did it very well.”

JUMPING HAS IMPROVED KNIGHT

Jockey Graham Gibbons, successful on Blythe Knight in the Vodafone Woodcote Stakes, commented: “He travelled well and I was lucky that the gaps appeared in time.

“He has idled in front before but really stuck his neck out today. I think sending him jumping over the winter has made a man of him.

“Today he really put his head out and once he was out in front I knew he wouldn’t get beat.”

The 4/1 winner prevailed by a length from the 4/5 favourite Blue Ksar.

NO EXCUSES FOR BLUE KSAR

Connections of 4/5 favourite Blue Ksar were not blaming an incident at the beginning of the Vodafone Diomed Stakes in which the blindfold used on eventual winner Blythe Knight in the stalls attached itself to Frankie Dettori when the gates opened.

“That incident didn’t affect his chance,” declared Simon Crisford, racing manager for Godolphin, owner of Blue Ksar.

“There are no excuses although he is better off on softer ground than this. He has run well but I wouldn’t use the incident at the start as an excuse.”

“We need softer ground for him,” added trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

Tom Tate, trainer of third-placed Welsh Emperor, said: “He is probably a seven-furlong horse but there are not many seven-furlong Group races around.

“He needs cut and he got enough cut for it to be safe for him.

“The target is the Longchamp Group 1 that he just got beaten in last season, the Prix de la Foret. He has a Group Two penalty and this is all he can do but it can’t be bad for a small trainer like me! All I need to do now is find a replacement.

“Celtic Sultan could be the one - he is a good horse and he will go for the William Hill Handicap at York. The trouble is that he has a bit too much weight but he is a horse that in a year or two could develop into a replacement for Welsh Emperor.

“We also have another good horse called Raucous.”


JIMMY QUINN BANNED

After a stewards’ enquiry into the first race, Jimmy Quinn was found guilty if careless riding and was suspended for one day, Wednesday, June 13.

RACE 4 SATURDAY - VODAFONE ‘DASH’ STAKES (HERITAGE HANDICAP)


NEW YEAR COMES EARLY FOR HOGMANEIGH

Hogmaneigh showed blistering speed on the world’s fastest five-furlong course to deny Moorhouse Lad by a neck in the Vodafone ‘Dash’ Heritage Handicap much to the delight of some kilt-wearing connections in the winner’s enclosure.

Winning trainer Stuart Williams said: “He has got a lot of speed and I am glad that he has won a big one as he deserves to as he is a good horse. The stable has not been in good form but I was hopeful from a good draw and the jockey [Saleem Golam] has won on him before.

“He has plenty of pace and I said beforehand that if the gap came I was confident. However, I said that at York and no gap came but that’s what happens when you have a hold-up horse in sprint races.

“He is in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot but I have plenty of options and there is also a big handicap over five furlongs in Ireland later in the year.

“I would like to think that he would end up where the winner ended last year [2006 winner Desert Lord went on to win the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp].”

totesport (from 16), Paddy Power (from 14), vcbet (from 14) and William Hill (from 14) all go 10/1 for the Wokingham, for which the winner will now carry 9st 4lb including a 5lb penalty received for today’s victory.

RACE 6 SATURDAY- THE VODAFONE LIVE! MUSIC HANDICAP

PERRETT DELIGHT AT NOSFERATU STRIKE

NOSFERATU completed a hat-trick when taking the Vodafone Live! Music handicap by a length-and-a-quarter from Misty Dancer.

The lightly-raced four-year-old gelding followed up two wins at Windsor with a front-running triumph in the hands of Jim Crowley.

Perrett also landed the same race last year with Alfie Noakes.

Victorious trainer Amanda Perrett said: “That was a really good performance because the ground had dried up plenty enough for him. He does want cut as he has a lot of knee action.

“When it looked like being soft we left him in the race but I was a bit nervous before hand that I’d done the right thing. But it was a great ride from Jim and we had the run of the race.

“I wanted to go to the Northumberland Plate next with him but whether we do that or not now, I don’t know. I don’t think he will go to the Royal Ascot.”


RACE 7 SATURDAY - VODAFONE SPRINT

PASSION IN THE LAST FOR HANNON

The Richard Hannon-trained Song Of Passion concluded a glorious Vodafone Derby Day 2007 the same way she ended Vodafone Oaks Day 2006, with victory in the last race.

The Orpen filly, owned by Thurloe Thoroughbreds XXIII, raced prominently throughout the six-furlong Vodafone Sprint Stakes before sweeping to the lead approaching the distance to register a two and a half-length success under Richard Hughes.

James Stafford of Thurloe Thoroughbreds said: “It’s a great way to end the day and she did the same on Vodafone Oaks day last year. She loves this track.”

The four-year-old, whose victory at Epsom Downs last year came over seven furlongs, was attempting the furlong shorter trip for the first time since her two-year-old debut.

Stafford reported: “She has a lot of speed and raced up with the pace against some fast horses at Chester last time, so we were more worried about the ground drying out rather than the trip.

“We were concerned about the quicker ground but Richard (Hannon) said that if it was soft she would have a serious chance.”

Immediate thoughts of the Wokingham Stakes soon evaporated as the filly is not entered in the Royal Ascot sprint.

Stafford commented: “Richard mentioned the Wokingham but I pointed out that she’s not in, but I do believe she may be capable of black type. She’s a half-sister to Hurricane Alan so we may look at a Listed race somewhere.”

The winning trainer, who saddled Vitznau to win the last race on yesterday’s Vodafone Oaks card, said: “She travelled very well and if it had been seven furlongs she may have won further.

“We’ve had two winners so we’ll happily take that.”

GOING NEWS AT 10.00AM

The going for Vodafone Derby Day, Saturday, June 1 is:

GOOD TO SOFT

Andrew Cooper, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing at Epsom Downs said: "We had another dry night and the going remains good to soft.

"The warm and sunny weather we are experiencing this morning is forecast to continue throughout the day.

"The rail on the inside has been removed to provide around four to five yards of fresh ground from the mile marker to the winning post for today."

VODAFONE DERBY JOCKEYS WEAR RIBBONS TO HIGHLIGHT SEARCH FOR MADELEINE

The jockeys riding in today’s Vodafone Derby will each wear a yellow ribbon to highlight the continuing search for missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann.

Madeleine was abducted on May 3, while on holiday with her family in Portugal. Her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, met with the Pope earlier this week and spent yesterday with Spanish government agencies in Madrid in order to keep the hunt for their daughter in the spotlight.

Big-race rider Martin Dwyer thought up the yellow ribbon initiative, and, with the Vodafone Derby going out to a worldwide TV audience of around 600 million people in 140 countries, it is hoped that the symbolic gesture will help keep the McCann family’s plight in the public consciousness.

Last year’s Vodafone Derby-winning jockey described Madeleine’s disappearance as, “every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Dwyer, who rides Regime for trainer Michael Bell in the big race and is the father of two small children, said: “There are people all over the globe watching the Derby, and we owe it to this little girl to do what we can to help find her, and deter anyone from doing anything like this in the future.

“Madeleine’s parents have decided they want as much publicity as they can to help find her, and I feel we should lend our support to that.”

Jockeys also wore yellow ribbons in yesterday’s two Group One events, the Vodafone Coronation Cup and the Vodafone Oaks at Epsom Downs.

The McCanns have set up an official website www.findmadeleine.com where people can get the latest news and download posters of Madeleine. The family have asked that people print the posters and take them on holiday with them.

THE QUEEN'S ARRIVAL

Her Majesty The Queen, wearing Royal blue, and the Royal party have arrived at Epsom Downs. Their traditional drive from Tattenham Corner down the course to the Queen's Stand happened at 12.55pm.

The Queen, who came closest to winning the Vodafone Derby when Aureole was runner-up to Pinza in her Coronation year (1953) but does not have a runner in this season's renewal, was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Royal party, which will arrive by limousine, also consists of the Duchess of Gloucester and the Queen's cousin Princess Alexandra (the Hon. Lady Ogily), as well as Lord and Lady Vestey.

Also riding in the Royal cavalcade are the late Queen Mother's racing advisor Sir Michael Oswald and his wife, Lady Angela Oswald, along with The Queen's racing and bloodstock advisor John Warren and his wife Lady Carolyn Warren.

The party is completed by Sir Robin and Lady Janvrin, Sir Alan and Lady Reid, the Hon. Mrs Whitehead and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Richards.

EPSOM DOWNS REDEVELOPMENT RUNNING TO SCHEDULE

Vodafone Derby Day provides the perfect occasion for racegoers to see the latest progress in the exciting redevelopment of Epsom Downs Racecourse.

A stylish new entrance pavilion has been constructed since Sir Percy battled home in the world's most famous Classic 12 months ago, while the old Roseberry Stand is no more.

The demolition of the Roseberry Stand and the completion, on time, of the new entrance pavilion, mark the first phase in the Epsom Downs redevelopment.

Phase Two commences after the 2007 Vodafone Derby Festival when the existing main grandstand will be knocked down to make way for a state-of-the-art replacement, which will stand resplendent alongside the Queen's Stand.

The exciting new grandstand development will be completed in time for the 2009 Vodafone Derby, making Epsom Downs one of the most modern racecourses in the world.

As with this year, the ongoing redevelopment will not prevent Epsom Downs from staging the 2008 Derby.

The demolition of the Roseberry Stand, which began on September 12, 2006 and was completed a week ahead of schedule on October 18, was carried out by General Demolition, while Cobham-based construction company Willmott Dixon is responsible for the new entrance pavilion and grandstand.

Vodafone Derby Statistics

Oldest jockey: 47 Mick Kinane (Archipenko)

Youngest jockey: 25 Wayne Lordan

Most successful jockey: Johnny Murtagh (Eagle Mountain) has had 3 wins from 10 rides.

Least successful jockey: Frankie Dettori (Authorized) has had no wins from 14 rides.

Oldest trainer: 69 Terry Mills (Kid Mambo, Petara Bay)

Youngest trainer: 37 Aidan O’Brien (Acapulco, Admiralofthefleet, Anton Chekhov, Archipenko, Eagle Mountain, Mahler, Soldier Of Fortune, Yellowstone)

Most successful trainer: 2 wins from 22 runners - Aidan O’Brien (Acapulco, Admiralofthefleet, Anton Chekhov, Archipenko, Eagle Mountain, Mahler, Soldier Of Fortune, Yellowstone). Michael Bell (Regime) and Marcus Tregoning (Aqaalem) have both had 1 win from 3 runners.

Least successful trainer: David Elsworth (Petara Bay) has had no winners from 11 runners.

Most successful owner: 2 wins from 23 runners - Hamdan Al Maktoum (Aqaleem). Sue Magnier (Acapulco, Admiralofthefleet, Anton Chekhov, Archipenko, Eagle Mountain, Mahler, Soldier Of Fortune, Yellowstone) has been involved in partnerships that have had 2 winners from 26 runners.

Highest earning horse: Regime £230,460

Lowest earner: Leander £1,445

Most expensive purchase: 625,000 guineas - Anton Chekhov

Cheapest purchase: 2,200 guineas - Leander

GYPSIES GO FOR ARCHIPENKO

An old gypsy tradition that has built up around the Vodafone Derby is that the name of the winner will mysteriously appear, handwritten in chalk, on a well outside the Amato public house, situated on Chalk Farm Lane in Epsom, on the Sunday before the big race.

Sceptics may laugh that this tradition is just another piece of sentimental nonsense, but the chalk-scrawled prediction has proved very profitable to follow, correctly identifying the winner seven times in the last 11 years.

The pub is named after the 1838 Derby hero Amato, who never raced before or after his Epsom triumph, and receives enquiries from all over the world as to which horse has been selected by the anonymous tipster.

It is unsure when the tradition began, although it is believed by pub regulars to be around 50 years old. The inn was originally called the Horse and Hounds before being named in honour of Amato after the horse’s Derby success. The inside of the Amato is adorned with a large selection of Derby-related memorabilia.

This year’s name on the well does not bode well for hot favourite Authorized and his jockey Frankie Dettori, as the name written in chalk is the Aidan O’Brien-trained ARCHIPENKO.

Another interesting fact about Archipenko is that he shares his birthday, May 30, with his namesake, the Ukrainian avant-garde artist, sculptor and graphic artist Alexander Archipenko.


FOALING DATES OF VODAFONE DERBY RUNNERS AND THEIR STAR SIGNS

Lucarno - February 10 (Aquarius)
Authorized - February 14 (Aquarius)
Admiralofthefleet - February 15 (Aquarius)
Soldier Of Fortune - February 20 (Pisces)
Acapulco - February 23 (Pisces)
Eagle Mountain - February 25 (Pisces)
Anton Chekhov - February 28 (Pisces)
Leander - March 12 (Pisces)
Aqaleen - March 17 (Pisces)
Salford Mill - March 27 (Aries)
Regime - April 10 (Aries)
Yellowstone - April 13 (Aries)
Kid Mambo - April 14 (Aries)
Mahler - April 14 (Aries)
Petara Bay - May 4 (Taurus)
Strategic Prince - May 9 (Taurus)
Archipenko - May 30 (Gemini)

Since 1989, the youngest winner of the Vodafone Derby was Erhaab (1994), foaled on May 24.

The oldest during this period was Sir Percy (2006), foaled on January 27.

The earliest foaled Derby recorded in the 20th century was Captain Cuttle (1922) who was born January 11 (Capricorn), while the youngest was Pont L’Eveque (1940), born on May 25 (Gemini).

Since 1989, Sir Percy (2006), Shaamit (1996), Lammtarra (1995), Generous (1991) and Quest For Fame (1990) were Aquarius.

Motivator (2005), North Light (2004), Kris Kin (2003), High Chaparral (2002), Sinndar (2000), Dr Devious (1992) and Nashwan (1989) were Pisces.

Oath (1999), High-Rise (1998), Erhaab (1994) and Commander In Chief (1993) were Taurus.

Galileo (2001) was Aries.

BETTING NEWS AT 10.30AM

Irish bookmaker Cashmans have reported Vodafone Derby favourite Authorized as being “exceptionally weak” and the firm now goes 11/10, from a price of 4/5 yesterday morning. The company’s spokesman says that “I’ll be surprised if we don’t see at least 11/8 at some stage”.

Other movers with Cashmans in today’s feature include Eagle Mountain, who is 10/1 (from 14), Lucarno 16/1 (from 25) and Mahler, who is the Racing Post’s Pricewise selection, at 40/1 (from 50).

Fellow Irish layer Paddy Power predicts that Authorized will not start odds-on as many commentators have predicted this week and the Dublin firm are evens (from 10/11) about the jolly. “We are happy to keep laying him,” says Power.

“But we are trying to persuade punters to back anything other than Frankie, as they get their money back if they beat Authorized but fail to win, and that will help balance the book.”

Coral were evens this morning about Authorized and that remains the price with the Barking-based firm. David Stevens, the bookmaker’s spokesman, also said that the company “are happy to lay it”.

The bookmaker has also seen money for Mahler, whose price has contracted by half and is now 25/1 (from 50).

Skybet have also seen a major move for Mahler and the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt is now 25/1 (from 33).

In the concluding Vodafone Sprint (Handicap), the firm have seen cash for Indian Trail, who is 12/1 (from 16).

BETTING NEWS AT 11.30AM

William Hill has seen money for Mahler, who is now a 25/1 (from 50) chance for the feature Vodafone Derby. The firm remain 10/11 about favourite Authorized and are still seeing good money for Peter Chapple-Hyam’s colt as they have a special offer for internet punters that if the horse wins by five lengths or more, backers will receive double the odds.

Ben Clarke, public relations executive for Hills, believes that if support for Authorized continues, the bookmaking industry is looking at a loss of Ù30/Ù35 million. “Ironically, the industry could lose more if Authorized continues to drift in the betting as punters who are unkeen to back an odds-on chance then become tempted to play at evens or more,” he said.

Mahler has also been backed with totesport and the Galileo colt is 25/1 (from 40). The company have remained at 4/5 concerning Authorized all morning, despite others going evens.

Damian Walker, totesport’s spokesman, said: “The Pricewise horse Mahler has been the best backed horse today but Authorized is our only ante-post loser in the book and will be at the off at 4.20pm and is definitely our biggest loser.”

John McCririck, Channel 4 Racing’s betting guru, believes that the betting exchanges will determine if Authorized goes off an odds-on chance this afternoon.

The expert thinks that if the exchanges go odds against then bookmakers will be forced to follow suit.

“If the exchanges keep Authorized at 2.10/2.15, then the bookmakers will have to be odds against or at least evens,” he said.

McCririck also explained that the surge of money for Mahler is explained by the influential tipping columns of Pricewise in the Racing Post, Valuescope in the Daily Mirror and Chris McGrath in The Independent all offering shows of support for Aidan O’Brien’s charge.

BETTING NEWS AT 12.30PM

Ladbrokes have taken a massive bet on Authorized in the Vodafone Derby. One punter struck a Ù500,000 wager at evens at 12.15pm. Peter Chapple-Hyam’s charge is now 10/11 fav (from evens).

The Magic Sign have also shortened Regal Flush in the opening Vodafone Make The Most Of Now Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (2pm) and he is now 7/2 (from 4), while Green Manalishi is 6/1 (from 7) in the Vodafone ‘Dash’ Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (3.30pm).

Stan James has seen money for two horses in the feature Vodafone Derby (4.20pm) - Eagle Mountain is 10/1 (from 14), while Mahler is 28/1 (from 40).

The firm has also cut Mister Hardy in the Vodafone Woodcote Stakes (2.30pm) and the Kyllachy colt is now 100/30 (from 4).

Bond City has contracted in the 3.30pm and is 8/1 (from 9).

In the Vodafone Live! Music Handicap (5.05pm), Nosferatu has been trimmed into 9/2 (from 11/2).

Victor Chandler have attracted support for three of the same horses in the 3.30pm. Green Manalishi is 6/1 (from 7), Bond City is 8/1 (from 10), while Machinist is a 16/1 chance (from 20).

They have laid an even Ù50,000 on Vodafone Derby favourite Authorized and he is 5/6 fav (from evens fav). Also in the feature, Mahler is 25/1 (from 40).

Nakheel is now 10/1 (from 14) in the 5.05pm, while Tilt is 12/1 (from 16).

Paddy Power report cash for Jeer in the 2pm - Ed Dunlop’s colt is 6/1 (from 7).

In the 2.30pm, the Irish firm have also cut Mister Hardy, who is 7/2 (from 11/2), while Declaration Of War is 7/2 (from 9/2).

The 3.30pm has been a fierce betting heat with Powers - Green Manalishi is 6/1 (from 13/2), Bond City is 7/1 (from 9), Corridor Creeper 14/1 (from 16), Machinist 14 (from 20) and Holbeck Ghyll 20/1 (from 33).

Mahler has been the one for money in the Vodafone Derby. He is a 25/1 chance (from 33), while the Dublin bookmaker has also slashed the chance of an Aidan O’Brien-trained one-two-three to 33/1 (from 40).

Nakheel is now 11/1 (from 14) in the 5.05pm, while Tilt is 12/1 (from 16) and Dzesmin is 20/1 (from 33).

In the concluding Vodafone Sprint Handicap (5.40pm), Lucayos has been clipped into 20/1 (from 33).

totesport have laid Regal Flush in the 2pm and Sir Michael Stoute’s charge is now 7-2 (from 4).

Declaration Of War has been a popular number in the 2.30pm and is 100/30 (from 5), while in the 3.30pm, Green Manalishi is 6/1 (from 7), Bond City is 15/2 (from 10) and Moorhouse Lad is 10/1 (from 14).

The two other horses to have been backed with the nanny are Nakheel and Tilt in the 5.05pm. The former is 10/1 (from 14) and Tilt is 11/1 (from 14).

BETTING NEWS AT 1.30PM

William Hill have seen good money for Regal Flush in the opening Vodafone Make The Most Of Now Stakes (Heritage Handicap)(2pm). The firm cut him to 7/2 (from 9/2), but further cash has pushed him into 3/1.

Blue Square go 7/2 (from 4) about Sir Michael Stoute’s charge.

Mister Hardy has been cut by Blue Square in the Vodafone Woodcote Stakes (2.30pm) and the Kyllachy colt is now 100/30 (from 4). Declaration of War is 7/2 (from 4) in the same event.

Bond City has been backed with both Hills and Blue Square in the Vodafone ‘Dash’ Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (3.30pm). He is a 6/1 chance (from 9) with the former, having touched an intervening price of 7/1, and 7/1 (from 10) offered by Blue Square. Weight of money for Bond City has also forced Paddy Power to have a rethink and the five-year-old is now 6/1 (from 9), having originally been revised to 7/1.

In the same race, Blue Square have cut Green Manalishi into 6/1 (from 7), Machinist 18/1 (from 20)and Holbeck Ghyll 25/1 (from 33). The last named is 22/1 (from 33) with Hills.

Powers eventually caved into public money on Authorized in the Vodafone Derby and just half an hour before racing begins have gone 10/11 (from evens) on favourite Authorized.

Mahler, the Pricewise selection in the Racing Post, is 25/1 (from 50) with Hills in the feature, while Blue Square go the same price (from 40). Eagle Mountain has also been trimmed by Blue Square and he is 10/1 (from 12).

In the Vodafone Live! Music Handicap (5.05pm), Hills report cash for Tilt 9/1 (from 14) and Dzesmin 20/1 (from 28), while Blue Square have slashed Nakheel into 10/1 (from 14), while Gavroche is 12/1 (from 14).

In the concluding Vodafone Sprint Handicap (5.40pm), Lucayos has been clipped into 18/1 (from 33) with Blue Square.

THE VALUE BETTING COLUMN EVERY SATURDAY

EPSOM DOWNS, SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2007

4.20pm,£1,250,000 VODAFONE DERBY 1m 4f

GOING: GOOD TO SOFT

BP= 66/1

2) 0131-01 ADMIRALOFTHEFLEET (USA) 15 Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier & Niarchos Family Aidan O’Brien IRE Seamus Heffernan
The home-bred Admiralofthefleet comes from the distinguished Niarchos family of Machiavellian and Exit To Nowhere and is the last ever Vodafone Derby runner for the great Danehill, who sired the 2004 winner North Light. Admiralofthefleet made his debut at Leopardstown on May 31 last year, finishing seventh in a seven-furlong maiden, before winning a similar event at Gowran Park the following month by six lengths. Upped in class for the Group Two Superlative Stakes at Newmarket’s July Meeting, he finished a good two lengths third to Halicarnassus, before heading to Ascot on September 23, when he won the Group Two Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes by two and a half lengths. After only finishing seventh first time out this year in the Group Three 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown on April 7, he stepped up markedly on that effort at Chester on May 11 when landing the Group Three Dee Stakes by two lengths from Desert Dew. Race Record: Starts: 6; 1st: 2; 2nd: 0; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £123,522 Must have some chance but is an outsider.

BP= 22/1

3) 31-51 ANTON CHEKHOV 4 Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE Declan McDonogh
Bred by Robert Barnett out of a daughter of his Oaks heroine Time Charter, Anton Chekhov - named by the Coolmore partners after the famous Russian playwright - was sold for 625,000 guineas at the 2005 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. He made his debut at Cork on September 29 last year when third in a mile maiden and went into winter quarters with a victory to his name, having won a Leopardstown Listed event by four and a half lengths in November. He was beaten just over two lengths into fifth in the Listed Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on April 22 and advertised his Epsom credentials with a victory in the Group Two Prix Hocquart at Longchamp on May 8.

Race Record: Starts: 4; 1st: 2; 2nd: 0; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £73,251 Another with potential but the form is open to question.

BP= 50/1

4) 32-1 AQALEEM 2 Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning Richard Hills
Home-bred by Hamdan Al Maktoum, Aqaleem should have few stamina doubts as a son of 2000 Vodafone Derby hero Sinndar out of a Sadler’s Wells mare. He made his debut in a Newbury maiden on August 19 last year when third to Lunces Lad and then finished second, a head in front of Authorized, in the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Stakes at the same course on September 15. He returned this year in the Group 3 Derby Trial at Lingfield on May 4 when he was an authoritative four-length winner. He returned to Lingfield for a racecourse gallop this week and trainer Marcus Tregoning - successful with Sir Percy 12 months ago - is hoping that lightning can strike twice.

Race Record: Starts: 3; 1st: 1; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £38,294 Progressive sort who will stay the trip well - cannot be left out.

BP= 10/1

6) 021-1 ARCHIPENKO (USA) 10 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE Michael Kinane
By one of the world’s best stallions, Kentucky-based Kingmambo, out of a mare closely related to Sadler’s Wells and Nureyev, Archipenko boasts an outstanding pedigree. His racing career began inauspiciously at the Curragh on Augist 26 last year when only 15th of 17 in a seven-furlong maiden but he returned to the same course on October 6 to go down by three-quarters of a length to stablemate Spanish Harlem. At Leopardstown 24 days later he brokes his duck with a six-length victory from Honoured Guest in a mile maiden. He made a winning seasonal comeback on May 13 in the Group Two Derinstown Stud Derby Trial again at Leopardstown where he beat stablemate Yellowstone by three quarters of a length.

Race Record: Starts: 4; 1st: 2nd; 1; 3rd: 0; Win & Place prize money: £65,543 He is the O’Brien number one and must be respected.
BP= 9/1

7) 31- 1 AUTHORIZED (IRE) 14 Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar Peter Chapple-Hyam Frankie Dettori
Sold to Tony Nerses for 95,000 guineas as a foal at Tattersalls in November, 2004, Authorized again passed through the Park Paddocks sale ring 11 months later, by which time his value had appreciated considerably when making 400,000gns. Authorized was jointly bred by Mick Kinane, who rode the horse’s sire Montjeu to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Montjeu proved a revelation with his first three-year-olds in 2005, with Motivator and Walk In The Park filling the first two berths in the Vodafone Derby, while Arc and Irish Derby winner Hurricane Run and St Leger hero Scorpion added to his Group One tally. Authorized is the first foal of his dam Funsie, a half-sister to the high-class mare Brooklyn’s Dance, from the family of Okawango and Green Dancer. Authorized began his career in the Haynes, Hanson & Clarke Conditions Stakes over a mile at Newbury on September 15, 2006. After breaking slowly from the stalls, he was soon on terms and was sent to the front with two furlongs remaining before relinquishing the lead to finish third behind Teslin with fellow Epsom contender Aqaalem in second. Faced with the daunting task of breaking his maiden in the Group One Racing Post Trophy, Authorized returned to the course and distance and belied his 25/1 starting price to emphatically reverse placings with his previous conqueror. He relished his first start on heavy going, and, after being held up in the early stages under Frankie Dettori, he quickened to lead at the furlong pole before drawing clear of his 13 rivals to register a length and a quarter verdict over Charlie Farnsbarns, with Teslin only ninth. This season, he made his return to action in the Group Two totesport Dante Stakes at York on May 17, when he took up the running approaching the final furlong and quickened right away to score by four lengths from Raincoat. This ensured that he became a short-priced favourite for the Vodafone Derby.

Race Record: Starts: 3; 1st: 2; 2nd: 0; 3rd: 1: Win & Place Prize Money: £180,536 The hot favourite who is worth opposing at this price.

BP= Evens

8) 512214-5 EAGLE MOUNTAIN 8 Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE Johnny Murtagh
Bred by bloodstock agent James Wigan’s London Thoroughbred Services, Eagle Mountain was sold for 220,000 guineas as a yearling at Tattersalls. He made his debut at Naas on May 17 last year, finishing fifth, and landed a six-furlong maiden at the Curragh 11 days later. He then went down by a head to Teofilo in the Group Two Futurity at the Curragh in August and was half a length behind Vital Equine in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at York the following month. He rounded the year off with a seven-length victory in the Group Two Beresford Stakes at the Curragh in October. His only start so far in 2007 came in the Group One Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5 when he finished an excellent fifth to Cockney Rebel.

Race Record: Starts: 6; 1st: 2; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £121,787 An interesting sort who could improve after a good fifth in the 2000 Guineas.

BP= 11/1


10) (4)512-23 KID MAMBO (USA) 19 Jeff Daniels Terry Mills Joe Fanning
A half-brother to a winner in Japan and from the family of Selkirk, Kid Mambo failed to find a buyer as a yearling when not sold at Keeneland in September, 2005. At Tattersalls in April, 2006, he was consigned by Jamie Railton and sold to Terry Mills for 115,000 guineas. He made his debut at Lingfield on July 6, 2006, finishing a staying-on fourth in a seven-furlong maiden on the all-weather. Next time out he finished fifth over seven furlongs at Newmarket before coming good at the third time of asking when stepped up to a mile at Sandown Park on September 13. Kid Mambo’s juvenile season came to a close when he finished second at 25/1, beaten five lengths by Caldra in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Ascot. This season, Kid Mambo reappeared in a conditions event at Newbury, going down by a length and a quarter to Light Shift. Next time out he stepped up in class to contest the Group Three totesport Derby Trial at Lingfield on May 12, finishing third behind Aqaleem, beaten just over four lengths.

Race Record: Starts: 6; 1: 1st; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1 Wins & Place Prize Money: £22,036 Local runner who does not have much chance.

BP= 150/1


11) (4)2 LEANDER 3 Kevin Tork Brett Johnson Mark Gallagher
Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock advisor John Ferguson paid 30,000 guineas for Leander as a foal at Tattersalls in November, 2004, when sold by breeder Michael Ings. The Kalanisi colt - a grandson of May Hill Stakes winner Intimate Guest - reappeared as an unraced juvenile at Doncaster Sales in November last year, when he was picked up by owner Kevin Tork for just 2,200 guineas. His belated racecourse debut came on the Polytrack at Kempton on April 25, when he finished fourth in a 1m 3f maiden to Coeur De Lionne, and - over a furlong further - he came within half a length of victory behind Intiquilla at Salisbury on May 6.

Race Record: Starts: 2; 1st: 0; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 0; Win & Place prize money: £1,445. Another local but this one has no chance.

BP= 500/1

12) 2(1)1 LUCARNO (USA) 17 George Strawbridge John Gosden Steve Drowne
The home-bred Lucarno is by the top American stallion Dynaformer, winner of the Grade Two Jersey Derby and sire of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. He is out of the George Strawbridge mare Vignette, who won a six-furlong Haydock Park maiden as a two-year-old for John Gosden and the American owner/breeder, before going on to take a five and a half furlong contest in the US as a five-year-old. Lucarno is his dam’s first foal and made a promising belated debut over a mile in what has proved a high-class maiden at Newbury on April 21. After breaking slowly, the 50/1 shot was soon in contention and ran as though a stiffer test of stamina would suit in chasing home the impressive six-length winner Diamond Tycoon, who went on to finish a respectable ninth of 24 in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket next time. Lucarno was kept at a mile on May 7 on Kempton’s Polytrack where - sent off the 1/2 favourite - he quickened well with a quarter of a mile to race and drew clear of his field to register an impressive seven-length victory. He lined up in the Listed Fairway Stakes at Newmarket last Saturday and booked his place in the Epsom line-up after an impressive three and a half length victory.

Race Record: Starts: 3; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £21,338 Progressive sort who is improving and cannot be discounted.

BP= 16/1


13) 011 MAHLER 6 Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE Pat Smullen
A Galileo colt from the family of last season’s 2000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand, Mahler was sold for 140,000 guineas as a yearling at the 2005 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Unraced at two, his career began inauspiciously at Leopardstown on April 7, when ninth to Mores Wells in a 10-furlong maiden, but he returned to the south Dublin track to break his duck in a similar event 15 days later. His only other appearance came at Gowran Park on May 6 when he was an impressive five-length scorer in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Classic Trial.

Race Record: Starts: 3; 1st: 2; 2nd: 0; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £18,474. Difficult to weight up but Pricewise has done for him and any value has gone.

BP= 25/1


14) 010-10 PETARA BAY (IRE) 12 Slavica Ecclestone Terry Mills Dane O’Neill
A son of the 1997 brilliant Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre, Petara Bay was purchased for 340,000 guineas as a yearling at the 2005 Tattersalls October Sale, Newmarket. Trainer Terry Mills said straight after buying the horse: We’ve finished fifth, sixth and seventh in the Derby and hopefully this one might go even closer.” The well-bred colt is out of Musidora Stakes heroine Magnificient Style and a half-brother to Group One Fillies’ Mile heroine Playful Act as well as Group Two winners Echoes In Eternity and Percussionist (who finished fourth to North Light in the 2004 Vodafone Derby). Making his debut over a mile at Chepstow on September 7 last year, Petara Bay trailed home a disappointing 10th behind Hearthstead Maison, but that run was soon forgotten at Haydock 16 days later, when he recorded a decisive two and a half length victory from 13 rivals. Pitched into Group One company in the Racing Post Trophy at Newbury the following month, Petara Bay was unable to cope with the heavy conditions, finishing in arrears behind Authorized. He made a successful start to his three-year-old career with a battling head defeat of Salford Mill in the nine-furlong Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket on April 18, although he ran below par in the Group Three Betfredpoker Classic Trial at Sandown 10 days later over an extra furlong, beating only one home behind Regime. Race Record: Runs: 5; Wins: 2; 2nd: 0; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £20,432 Another local no hoper.

BP= 80/1


15) 4120-1 REGIME (IRE) 7 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing XL Michael Bell Martin Dwyer
The best son of 2000 Guineas winner and Vodafone Derby runner-up Golan to date, Regime was bred at Graiguenoe Park Stud at Holycross in Co Tipperary by Philip Brady. He was purchased for 120,000 euros by John Warren as a yearling at the Goffs Million Sale in September, 2005, having been originally bought for 17,000 guineas as a foal the previous year. Strongly fancied for his debut in a mile maiden on Newmarket’s July course on August 18, 2006, Regime could only finish fourth of five behind Yazamaan, however he showed his true colours nine days later at Beverley over an extended mile, recording a comfortable three-length victory. Sent to Ireland the following month for the ultra-competitive Goffs Million at the Curragh over seven furlongs, Regime produced a cracking effort to finish second to Miss Beatrix, ‘winning’ his race on the stands’ side but failing by a length and a quarter to catch the filly drawn on the opposite side. Stepping up into Group One company on his final juvenile run in the Racing Post Trophy at Newbury in October, Regime could not get competitive at the business end, coming home seventh behind Authorized on heavy ground. He made an impressive reappearance in the 10-furlong Group Three Betfredpoker Classic Trial at Sandown on April 28, showing a useful change of gear to score in decisive fashion by two lengths from Striving Storm.
Race Record: Runs: 5; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £230,460 Talented sort but he is still a difficult horse to weight up.

BP= 22/1


16) (2)-(1)21 SALFORD MILL (IRE) 11 Tony Thompson David Elsworth Ted Durcan
David Elsworth purchased Salford Mill - bred by the locally-based Gillian McCalmont - for 45,000 guineas at Tattersalls in October, 2005. The strapping colt made his belated racecourse debut in the colours of Tony Thompson at Lingfield on December 19, 2006, when he caught the eye with a late flourish under Marc Halford that saw him finish two and a half lengths second to Grande Caiman. That debut in a mile maiden was all the more notable given that he had been struck into behind during the race. He rapidly recovered from his exertions to make a winning return to Lingfield’s Polytrack on January 6 when, sent off the 2/7 favourite, he relished the step up to 10 furlongs as he scored a comfortable two-length victory over Jocheski. His next start came on turf in the nine-furlong Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket on April 18. Held up off the pace by Ted Durcan, he ran a race of huge promise in finishing a head runner-up to Petara Bay. Kerrin McEvoy took the ride for the colt’s latest effort in the Listed Newmarket Stakes back at Newmarket, when a return to 10 furlongs saw him defeat a field of well-regarded rivals. He made progress two furlongs out before taking the lead at the distance and striding clear for a length and a quarter success over the Aidan O’Brien-trained Acapulco, with Godolphin’s Eastern Anthem a further length away in third. A son of the 1997 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Peintre Celebre, he is out of the Listed-placed Razana and is a half-brother to Ovambo, a winner over 12 furlongs and Group Three placed.
Race Record: Starts: 4; Wins: 2; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £26,938 His form does not look good enough to me.
BP= 25/1


17) 212-11 SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (IRE) 9 Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE Wayne Lordan
Winter ante-post favourite Teofilo may be missing the Vodafone Derby but his trainer Jim Bolger still has an interest in this year’s race as the breeder of Soldier Of Fortune. The Galileo colt, trained by Bolger’s former assistant Aidan O’Brien, was beaten a short-head by the Bolger-trained La Conquistadora on his debut in a Gowran Park maiden in October. He beat Mores Wells by a length and a quarter next time out at Navan and rounded off the year when three-quarters of a length second to Passage Of Time in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud. This year began with a win in the Group Two Prix Noailles at Longchamp on April 8 and he followed up with a short-head victory over Arabian Gulf in the Group Three Chester Vase on May 10.

Race Record: Starts: 5; 1st: 3; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £136,378 The question is whether he is good enogh.

BP= 16/1

18) 15113-0 STRATEGIC PRINCE 18 H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah Paul Cole Eddie Ahern
A 150,000 guineas Tattersalls October yearling purchase by Angie Sykes, the bloodstock agent who helped buy last year’s Vodafone Derby winner Sir Percy, Strategic Prince is out of Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Ausherra, who was seventh in the 1991 Vodafone Oaks and is a sister to 1999 Vodafone Oaks heroine Ramruma. This makes Strategic Prince a half-brother to the useful stayers Yorkshire and Riyadh. The Dansili colt made a winning debut for trainer Paul Cole, who trained both Riyadh and Yorkshire, in a five-furlong Salisbury maiden on May 18, 2006. An administrative error saw Strategic Prince line up for the five-furlong Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot rather than the furlong further Coventry Stakes and he ran respectably from his unfavourable wide draw to take fifth behind the impressive Dutch Art. Stepped up to six furlongs for the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket on July 13, he showed a good turn of foot as he picked up in the last 100 yards to take the prize by a length and three quarters from Armigerent. That win was followed by further success in the Group Two Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in August when he relished the seven-furlong trip and held Duke Of Marmalade by a neck. Following a two-month break, Strategic Prince returned for a showdown with the crack Irish juveniles Teofilo and Holy Roman Emperor in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile and came out best of the home challenge as he finished third, two and a half lengths behind that duo. The colt made his three-year-old debut in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5, when he finished a respectable eighth of 24. In crossing the line around five lengths behind Cockney Rebel, Strategic Prince finished third of the group that raced on the far side of the track.
Race Record: Starts: 6; 1st: 3; 2nd: 0; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £113,158 Useful two-year-old who will have a problem staying the 12 furlongs.

BP= 20/1

19) 103-502 YELLOWSTONE (IRE) 16 Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier & Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE Colm O’Donoghue
Bred by the Tullamaine Castle Stud of former Coolmore general manager Bob Lanigan, his son David (assistant trainer to Henry Cecil) and Simon Marsh, Yellowstone made a winning start to his career when landing a mile maiden at Cork in July, 2006. He ran twice more as a juvenile, finishing seventh and last in the Group Two Futurity Stakes over seven furlongs at the Curragh and third, beaten under two lengths, behind stablemate Mount Neslon in the Group One Criterium International over a mile at Saint-Cloud in October. This year he started off in the Irish 2,000 Guineas Trial, coming home fifth to Creachadoir. On his penultimate appearance in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5 he was drawn on what appear to be the slowest side of the track (far side) but stayed on towards the finish behind Cockney Rebel. Eight days later he stepped up to 10 furlongs for the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown over 10 furlongs. The step up in trip appeared to suit him as he came home three-quarters of a length second behind stable companion Archipenko.

Race Record: Starts: 6 1st: 1 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1 Win & Place Prize Money: £44,734 He does not look good enough.

BP= 40/1

SUMMARY
Aqaleem is the best each-way value.

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