Elm pulling up trees for Derby date Andrew Balding remains hopeful about Elm Park's chances of reversing form with Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs in the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday. Last season's Racing Post Trophy winner ran creditably in the Dante Stakes at York last month, but he still finished a well-beaten third behind the John Gosden-trained duo. That was, however, the first time the Phoenix Reach colt had seen a racecourse since last October, with his trainer banking on further progress in the main event, particularly if localised thunderstorms manage to find their target. "His weight has not changed dramatically from York but he is definitely a bit tighter. He dropped a bit after the Dante because he had a hard race but is now the same weight as he went into it," said the Kingsclere handler. "He was just leg-weary in the Dante - he tied up in the last 100 yards which was purely down to fitness and having his first race for such a long time. "There were no hiding places in a race of that nature but it should have put him spot-on for the Derby. "Thirteen lengths back to the fourth says it all, but we needed to have a run. You don't mind getting beaten in the Dante if you are going to win the Derby. "He is very relaxed horse and he has got a bit of class. We had a perfectly satisfactory prep run so I think we have every reason to be optimistic." Adding further credence to Elm Park's Derby profile is the fact, at least on breeding, he could be in his element over the Derby trip. Balding said: "We won't know about a mile and a half until he runs, but on his pedigree he should be fine - the only slight doubt is on his dam's side. "The horse can be a bit deliberate when he changes his legs and can just take a bit of time to get organised. But with the class he has shown, he is capable of holding his position in a race. "I think his biggest strength is his engine - his third gear is like most horses' fifth gear. "It would mean everything to win the Derby. For any trainer, it is the race you aspire to win. It is lovely to have a serious contender."
