Snow Sky in Derby field Snow Sky has been given the go-ahead to run in the Investec Derby. Sir Michael Stoute's colt features in the 27 contenders left in at the latest scratching deadline and will now take his chance in the premier Classic at Epsom on June 7. Snow Sky, who was also under consideration for the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, was a most impressive winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial on May 10 and is around the 16-1 mark for Epsom glory. Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for owner Khalid Abdullah, said: "We have given it good consideration and, all things considered, Prince Khalid was happy to go to Epsom with Snow Sky." Hot favourite Australia is still in contention and is one of six colts engaged for trainer Aidan O'Brien. O'Brien, who is seeking his third consecutive Derby triumph, could also be represented by Orchestra, Kingfisher, Geoffrey Chaucer, Adelaide and Gypsy King. John Gosden is responsible for second-favourite Western Hymn, who is unbeaten in three starts, including when successful in the Classic Trial at Sandown. Another trial winner who could line up is the Dermot Weld-trained Fascinating Rock, while the second and third from York's Dante Stakes, Arod and True Story, also go forward. William Haggas is the only trainer with a 100 per cent record in the Investec Derby, having scored with Shaamit back in 1996, and has left in Our Channel. Kingston Hill and Toast Of New York remain in the mix, with French interests this year sharpened by the presence of Karakontie and Norse Prize. Western Hymn pleased Gosden when coming through a strong gallop before racing at Lingfield. The High Chaparral colt, who beat Snow Sky in April, was s ettled several lengths behind his work companion by William Buick, with the pair going a good gallop, and a sked to close on rounding the home turn, Western Hymn stretched out well to the line, if hanging slightly to his left. Gosden told At The Races: "They went a mile in 1.37.1/1.37.2 so they didn't hang around. They went off sensible but finished very strongly and he did his usual playboy act, looking for the odd low flying seagull, but I was happy with him. "We came here for the experience, as it's left-handed, but he's always done that (hang) when he hits the front, in all his races. "It was pretty testing ground at Sandown, I nearly didn't run him, he'd never been touched with the stick before so he was reacting to that. He needs more experience and we'll probably take him to Epsom and have a spin there a week tomorrow (Breakfast with the Stars). "Benny The Dip (Gosden's Derby winner) had a bit more experience at two having won a Racing Post Trophy so this horse has a bit of catching up to do on experience. "This horse plays up a bit at home, that's just him. He's fit enough, they clocked a very good time there so I'm happy with that. "He'll go to Epsom and have a look at the track and keep on learning."
