Roaring Lion on course for Epsom Dante winner Roaring Lion is on course for the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday week, trainer John Gosden has announced. The son of Kitten’s Joy bounced back from a fifth place in the 2000 Guineas when strolling home by four and a half lengths in York’s Derby trial last week. Gosden initially indicated the French Derby may be an alternative option, but owners Qatar Racing are eager to go for the Epsom event and the trainer is happy to comply. Speaking at Epsom’s Breakfast With The Stars event on Tuesday morning, Gosden said: “I just like to see how horses are after a race before making grandiose plans. “We were pleased with the horse (after the Dante), he ate up. “He’s in splendid form and the owner is very keen that he goes for the Derby, so that is where he is going and I think that’s the right call.” Fellow Derby hope Young Rascal was one of two horses to work at Epsom on Tuesday morning, enjoying a spin around the track under big-race jockey James Doyle. Winner of the Chester Vase last time out, Young Rascal pleased trainer William Haggas as he worked with stablemate Original Choice around the famous Epsom bend. Haggas said: “They barely went a half-speed coming down the hill and quickened up the last two and a half furlongs. “I was very happy with him, but what anyone else can read into it, I don’t know. “I wanted the horse to come and have a look at the place. We had a walk around the paddock, it’s beautiful ground so we had an opportunity to get him on the grass. “This was a great opportunity to get him here, for James to get a feel of the contours and get the horse to have a feel of the contours. From that point of view, I was delighted.”
