French raider Epicuris in Derby frame French raider Epicuris has his sights set firmly on the Investec Derby this coming Saturday. The Criquette Head-Maarek-trained colt has had one or two twists on route to the Epsom Classic. Unbeaten as a juvenile when his wins included the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud over 10 furlongs, he was successful on his return to action at Longchamp in early April. He was due to have his prep run for the French Derby in the Prix Greffulhe last month, but refused to enter the stalls. While he has since passed a stalls test, he will only enter them with the assistance of Nicolas Blondeau, a horse behavioural expert who also followed Goldikova all over the world. French rules prevent anyone other than the official stalls handlers assisting down at the start, so Head-Maarek decided not to risk Epicuris refusing in the Prix du Jockey Club and switched her sights to Epsom instead. The Khalid Abdullah-owned son of Rail Link will become Head-Maarek's second runner in Epsom showpiece after French Guineas winner American Post finished sixth behind North Light in 2004. "He worked well this morning (Monday), I was very happy with him," said Head-Maarek, who is on a high after the return of her brilliant filly Treve last week. "He seems fine after it so he's going to run at Epsom, he pulled a long way clear of his lead horse. "Thierry Thulliez, his usual jockey, will ride him."
