Murtagh retains Minnaloushe mount Johnny Murtagh will keep the ride on Irish 2000 Guineas winner Black Minnaloushe in the St James`s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, it emerged today.He will stay on board last month`s Classic winner - a 5-1 chance with William Hill - for trainer Aidan O`Brien as stable-jockey Michael Kinane is again to ride Minardi, who could manage only third when sent off favourite at the Curragh.O`Brien also saddles Darwin (Paul Scallan) in the feature event on the opening day of the Royal meeting, which he won with Giant`s Causeway 12 months ago.A final line-up of 11 was declared for the Group One contest today, with Godolphin fielding Poule d`Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) winner Noverre (Frankie Dettori).The betting is headed by the unbeaten Dandoun (Pat Eddery) on 7-2, whose trainer John Dunlop also runs Olden Times (Gerald Mosse).Ascot`s clerk of the course Nick Cheyne reported conditions as 'perfect' ahead of the four-day meeting.Jim Goldie has revealed that Orientor is set for a step up to Group Two class after his big handicap win at York on Saturday.He is eyeing Thursday`s Cork And Orrery Stakes for the improving three-year-old, rather than the Wokingham Stakes 24 hours later - in which he is to run Indian Spark instead.St James`s Palace Stakes betting:William Hill: 7-2 Dandoun, 9-2 Noverre, 5-1 Black Minnaloushe, Minardi, 8-1 Malhub, Tamburlaine, Vahoramix, 12-1 Olden Timnes, 16-1 No Excuses Needed, 20-1 Keltos, 100-1 Darwin.Coral Eurobet: 7-2 Dandoun, 4-1 Black Minaloushe, Noverre, 6-1 Vahorimix, 7-1 Tamburlaine, Minardi, Malhub, 8-1 Olden Times, 12-1 Keltos, 14-1 No Excuse Needed, 33-1 Darwin.
