Coshocton lands Predominate Stakes

Michael Jarvis is aiming to fulfil his greatest ambition after Coshocton made all the running to win the Letheby & Christopher Predominate Stakes at Goodwood today.

Jarvis has had his share of success at the highest level, winning the Italian and French Derbys in recent years as well as saddling Ameerat to take last year`s Sagitta 1000 Guineas.

But it is the premier Classic which eludes Jarvis and the trainer, who took out his first licence in 1968, is hoping that with the assistance Coshocton he can add next month`s Vodafone Derby at Epsom to his already-impressive curriculum vitae.

The 9-1 shot was bounced out of the stalls by Philip Robinson and the pair were never headed, always travelling smoothly and holding the late challenge of 2-1 favourite Dubai Destination by two lengths.

Frankies Dream, an unconsidered 40-1 shot, ran above himself to finish a further length and three-quarters back in third.

Nobody could accuse connections of opting for Epsom as a last-minuteplan. 'He came to me as a two-year-old with the aim of getting him to the Derby,' Jarvis explained.

'John Phillips, his owner, owns the Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky. It is the first horse I have trained for him.

'When he ran in the 2000 Guineas he was a bit fresh for his first run of the season. He is a free-going horse who doesn`t want to be pulled about so we let him settle in front today, we didn`t want to waste his energy.

'I did doubt him getting this mile and three furlongs a bit but I don`t think he was stopping and I think he will get the trip at Epsom.

'It`s a big ambition of mine to win the Derby, the biggest. And I`m running out of time, unlike some trainers!'

Robinson feels his mount has a 'realistic' chance of providing a fairytale success.

'He is a very strong horse, that has been the slight worry,' said the rider.

'He has been too strong if anything and it has been difficult switching him off. But he switched off very nicely.

'You have got to go there thinking you can win. You just need to keep your fingers crossed and you never know.

'He would be a realistic horse in the Derby, how well he runs you will have to wait and see!'

Dubai Destination attracted late support in the betting ring, having been available at 11-4 at one stage.

But although he shaped with promise for the future, ultimately his performance was a far cry from his top-class juvenile form.

Simon Crisford, the racing manager for owners Godolphin, shared punters` disappointment with the colt`s performance.

'He is a very, very good horse and we are disappointed he didn`t win,' Crisford said.

'Jamie said he came there and got tired. We thought we would get away with it, we thought his class would see him through but he has had a very easy preparation and he will come on a lot for that.

'I couldn`t tell you if he will run in the Derby, we will have to let the dust settle and talk with Sheikh Mohammed, but he will be left in at tomorrow`s forfeit stage.

'But I think that if you are going to win the Derby you have got to win the Predominate.'

The bookmakers tended to agree that this year`s Epsom hero had probably not been seen in action on the Downs.

Coshocton is a best-priced 25-1 shot with Ladbrokes for the big race with Dubai Destination available at the same price with Coral.