Authorized Cut For Derby Glory

Authorized has firmed up as favourite for the Vodafone Derby following the news Frankie Dettori takes the reins on June 2.

Peter Chapple-Hyam´s charge has been cut to 11-10 from 6-4 with Coral.

'Frankie Dettori remains the most popular jockey riding today, and the massive support for him on Derby day as he bids for an elusive first win in the race could see his mount start odds-on,' said Coral´s David Stevens.

Dettori expressed delight at being allowed to ride the hot favourite.

The Italian, seeking an elusive first success in the world´s premier Classic, has been released by Sheikh Mohammed from his Godolphin duties to continue his association with Chapple-Hyam´s colt at Epsom.

'It´s very kind of his Highness (Sheikh Mohammed) to let me off,' said Dettori.

'Of course I´m very pleased, but it´s going to be a long two weeks.'

Godolphin, however, still have three of the 22 horses ? Eastern Anthem, Jalil and Mythical Kid ? left in the Derby at the second forfeit stage.

'At the moment we don´t have a strong contender and after talking to Sheikh Mohammed last night he was very aware of that situation and he thought it was the sporting and right thing to do to let him (Dettori) ride the favourite,' said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

'Hopefully we will have a runner but I can´t say for sure just yet. We´ll have to see what the next 10 days bring and see where we are.

'We always operate with a degree of flexibility, hence Kerrin McEvoy riding a lot for Sir Michael Stoute this week.

'At the moment we are not that busy but when we do get busy we will need full support from our team of jockeys.

'So we wish Frankie good luck as long as he doesn´t beat us a short head!' Crisford told Racing UK.

Irish trainer Aidan O´Brien is responsible for nine of the remaining entries as he bids for a third Derby triumph after Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002).

The Ballydoyle maestro´s possibles are headed by Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Archipenko, Chester Vase victor Soldier Of Fortune and Admiralofthefleet, successful in the Dee Stakes.

His party is completed by Acapulco, Anton Chekhov, Chinese Whisper, Eagle Mountain, Mahler and Yellowstone.

Others standing their ground include Lingfield Derby Trial scorer Aqaleem, David Elsworth´s Salford Mill and Strategic Prince from Paul Cole´s stable.

(C) PA Sport