Carlton thrills connections Carlton House delighted connections with an impressive workout on the gallops at Newmarket ahead of the Investec Derby on Saturday week. The Queen's colt, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, came through his final serious exercise before Epsom with flying colours as he easily disposed of his lead horse. "He worked over seven furlongs on the watered gallop. He stretched out really nicely, ridden by Ryan Moore, who was thrilled with the way he went," said The Queen's racing manager John Warren. "He's gone the right way since York and the trainer and jockey were very satisfied and it was very pleasing to watch. "As far as I know that was his last serious piece of work before Epsom. It's very exciting." Carlton House, who staked his claim for the Premier Classic with victory in the Dante Stakes on his seasonal debut at York earlier this month, is now the 5-4 favourite with Stan James to give The Queen a first Epsom Derby triumph. The trainer also expressed his delight at the way the build-up to the Derby was going. "I've been happy with his preparation. He worked this morning and it was very satisfactory work. He seems in good shape," Stoute told At The Races. "Let's just hope things go smoothly between now and Derby day. "The Dante was a slowly-run race which is never satisfactory. One would have preferred a truly-run race. "What we do know is that he does quicken and we hope he'll stay. He's a well-balanced horse with good rhythm."
