Gosden dreaming of Golden moment John Gosden accepts Golden Horn's participation in the Investec Derby at Epsom represents a calculated risk. The Cape Cross colt had been destined for the French Derby last weekend, but owner Anthony Oppenheimer stumped up £75,000 to supplement him for the blue riband after he won the Dante Stakes at York in May. Golden Horn impressively defeated stablemate and fellow Derby contender Jack Hobbs in the extended mile-and-a-quarter Group Two, but he has not yet raced over the Epsom trip of 12 furlongs. The Clarehaven handler admits the step up in distance could be an issue, but connections are more than happy to spin the wheel of fortune on the biggest stage of them all. "Golden Horn came through at York and has come together in his work. There is a question about his stamina, but he relaxes well," said Gosden. "He wasn't put in the Derby as a yearling, but I put him in the Prix du Jockey Club back in February and he'd only won a Nottingham maiden then. "I didn't have to do much arm-twisting after the Dante as his owner likened the situation to a casino - he had won the money (in the Dante) and it was there on the table to supplement for the Derby." Oppenheimer is adamant Golden Horn has the right constitution to capably handle the demands of the Derby. He told At The Races: "He's one of those horses who likes to go to sleep most of the time, he's very relaxed. He's quite happy switched off behind like he was in the Dante until someone says 'off we go'. "With luck, he should switch off in the Derby. He's built as if you were going to build a Derby horse - size, height, everything. Of course, we don't know how any of them will come down the hill." Frankie Dettori has been tasked with the job of getting Golden Horn home from stall eight. The revitalised jockey has famously only won the Derby once, aboard Authorized in 2007, and hopes to skilfully channel his nervous energy into a profitable outcome. He said: " I know what to expect now. I was extremely nervous in 2007, but with a few more years under my belt, I am a bit more relaxed. "Tony McCoy must have felt it in the Grand National - you never think you are going to win the race and then, when you do, there is great relief. I will get excited on the day, but that is quite normal." Just as with Golden Horn, Gosden holds mild reservations about Jack Hobbs' Derby credentials. The Halling colt only made his racecourse debut in December, but rocketed towards the head of the Epsom betting after a stunning handicap victory at Sandown two months ago. Godolphin have since bought a share in Jack Hobbs, who will run for the first time in Sheikh Mohammed's blue silks. Gosden, though, is wary his inmate might lack the strength to cope with running in a race of this magnitude. The trainer will also walk the track on Saturday morning to ensure the ground is acceptable for Jack Hobbs, who is thought to be happier with slight ease underfoot. Gosden said: "He's a progressive horse, but he's still a little bit of a work in progress. He's learning a lot, but whether he'd be the physical type for Epsom is a debatable moot point." Jockey William Buick partnered Golden Horn in the Dante, with Dettori aboard Jack Hobbs. The roles are reversed on the Downs, with Buick expecting his companion to revel in the ascent in distance. He said: "He's got a bit to find with Golden Horn, but over a mile and a half, I think you might just see a bit of improvement in him." For Gosden, the chance of winning the Derby for a second time after Benny The Dip toughed it out by a short head in 1997 remains a tantalising dream. He said: "Benny The Dip winning the Derby was a great day - it was a bit of a frightening photo-finish. "I love the race, but I like to come to Epsom with the feeling that we can get some prize-money as it is our most valuable race. "It is about having the right horses. The worst thing for jockeys is being put on Formula 2 horses in Formula 1 races."
