Carlton heads 17 Derby acceptors Carlton House tops 17 six-day declarations for the Investec Derby at Epsom. Owned by The Queen, Sir Michael Stoute's charge became ante-post favourite for Saturday's Classic when winning the totesport Dante at York. Seville and Pisco Sour, second and third at York, are set to renew rivalry on Saturday. The former is trained by Aidan O'Brien who is also expected to be represented by Memphis Tennessee, Recital and Treasure Beach while he has also left Irish 2000 Guineas winner Roderic O'Connor in the race. Pour Moi and Vadamar represent a strong French challenge for the race while Godolphin have left in Ocean War, Genius Beach and Casamento but only the former is set to run. 2000 Guineas runner Native Khan represents Classic form while John Gosden has both Masked Marvel and Nathaniel in the race. Castlemorris King and Marhaba Malyoon complete the field. John Warren, the Queen's racing manager, commented on Monday: "Carlton House is all on target for Epsom. "He had a nice blow on Sunday at Newmarket and the trainer is very happy with him at this point. Carlton House will be kept ticking over this week. "There is excitement all round and I think the whole country is starting to focus on it and everyone is excited by the prospect." Epsom are planning two more circuits of watering ahead of the Investec Derby Festival. The ground is currently described as good but no rain is forecast from midweek.
