Johnstone to wait on Bandari decision

The decision on whether to supplement Bandari for the Vodafone Derby will be left late, according to trainer Mark Johnston.

The Middleham handler today confirmed he discussed the issue with the colt`s owner Abdullah Al-Rostamani yesterday but they have yet to make a firm decision.

Johnston said: 'There will be no decision until the very last minute and that is June 1st.'

Bandari entered the Derby picture when he ran away with the Attheraces Sky Channel 418 Lingfield Derby trial, beating his nearest rival by 13 lengths.

It will cost #90,000 to add the son of Alhaarth to the Epsom field and Johnston says the decision will not only rest on the issue of the supplementary fee but also on the colt`s well-being nearer the race.

'He`s come out of the Lingfield race fine but he`s a horse that needs time between his races and a lot will depend on how well the horse is,' added the trainer.

'We have discussed it though and there are alternatives so we are keeping an open mind.'

Ironically the only horse that Johnston has engaged in the Derby, Sir George Turner, will now not head to Epsom.

The son of the 1989 Derby winner Nashwan turned in a disappointing performance in the Convergent Dante Stakes trailing in seventh behind Moon Ballad.

Although he ran well in the Philip Leverhulme Dee Stakes at Chester the week before, finishing second to Sohaib, Johnston has ruled out a tilt at the blue riband.

If Sir George Turner was to run at Epsom his owner, Paul Dean, would have to pay an additional fee of #11,000 to keep the horse in the Group One showpiece.

Johnston does not think his chances merit the money and has now set a Royal Ascot target for his charge instead.

He added: 'He`s okay but he won`t be going to the Derby. There`s no point in paying the extra money and he will probably go for the King Edward (VII Stakes on June 21st) at Royal Ascot now.'