Ground concern for Sea The Stars John Oxx says 2000 Guineas hero Sea The Stars could miss the Derby if the Epsom ground is soft on Saturday week. The son of Cape Cross is currently contesting favouritism for the Classic with the Aidan O'Brien-trained Fame And Glory. But Oxx says he would "seriously consider" not running if the ground on the Downs doesn't suit his star colt. In an interview in the Racing Post Weekender, he said: "We want the ground riding fast next week at Epsom, with the obvious questions about his stamina limitations. "I have to be honest and say I rate him only 50-50 to stay. If there was a wet week leading up to the race and plenty of cut, I would seriously consider not running him." The ground at Epsom is currently "just on the softer side of good", according to an estimate from clerk of the course Andrew Cooper. Despite his concerns about Sea The Stars' stamina, Oxx is nonetheless expectant of a bold display. The County Kildare handler told The Times: "He's a real tough horse, fine and big - you wouldn't find fault with him at all. "Time will tell, but he looks to have all the temperament qualities you'd want for the Derby. "We'd had to rush him a bit for the Guineas, so I'm happy it's a five-week interval before Epsom. "That said, he's a very fresh sort and you wouldn't want to be giving him many days off. "He cantered on the Wednesday after the Guineas and he looks well in himself. "We never souped him up as a two-year-old, and he's still laid-back, but he does enough."
