O´Brien Battalions Stand In Authorized´s Way

Authorized could face as many as eight runners from the Ballydoyle powerbase of Aidan O´Brien when he lines up as one of the shortest-priced Derby favourites in history on Saturday.

That was the remarkable prospect facing supporters of the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained colt as money continued to pour on the Dante Stakes hero following the confirmation stage for the Vodafone-sponsored Classic at Epsom, in which a total of 19 horses stood their ground.

O´Brien, successful with Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002), can choose from Acapulco, Admiralofthefleet, Anton Chekhov, Archipenko, Eagle Mountain, Mahler, Soldier Of Fortune and Yellowstone.

His one withdrawal was Chinese Whisper, while Saeed bin Suroor may rely on Eastern Anthem after Godolphin withdrew Jalil and Mythical Kid.

There were no supplementary entries after John Gosden decided against adding Dante runner-up Raincoat to the field, but the Newmarket trainer could still be represented by Lucarno.

Marcus Tregoning, successful 12 months ago with Sir Percy, relies on Aqaleem, who will attempt to be the first Lingfield Derby Trial winner to go on to glory at Epsom since High-Rise in 1998.

A number of firms, including totesport and Ladbrokes, are now odds-on about Authorized giving Frankie Dettori a first success in the big race, with the likelihood of soft ground only enhancing his chances.

David Williams, spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: 'It was a matter of time before Frankie´s mount went odds-on as we couldn´t take any more cash at even-money.

'The recent rain has only helped to make Authorized more popular with punters and the vast majority of bets we´re taking on the race are on just one horse.'

Totesport go 10-11 and their spokesman Damian Walker said: 'Authorized is almost certain to be one of the shortest-priced Derby favourites for years.

'The Frankie factor will ensure he will be easily the best-backed horse on the day and if the betting is anything to go by, then Dettori´s long wait for a first Derby win is almost over.'

(C) PA Sport