Dettori free to partner Authorized at Epsom

A grand gesture by Sheikh Mohammed, senior partner in the Godolphin operation, has cleared the way for Frankie Dettori (pictured) to ride Authorized, the warm favourite, in the Derby next month.

A grand gesture by Sheikh Mohammed, senior partner in the Godolphin operation, has cleared the way for Frankie Dettori (pictured) to ride Authorized, the warm favourite, in the Derby next month.

Dettori, who is under contract to the multi-millionaire from Dubai, could have been been claimed to ride the horse chosen by Godolphin to represent them in the Epsom classic, but the Sheikh has said the rider is free to partner the Peter Chapple-Hyam trained colt on the big day.

This gives the Italian his best chance yet to land the race that he has never won. He rode Authorized at York earlier this week when he won the Dante Stakes in very impressive style, but said afterwards that he expected to be riding whichever horse Godolphin runs at Epsom.

Now he can prepare to make his best bid yet to secure the race and at last emulate one of his great predecessors, Sir Gordon Richards, who finally won the Derby in 1973, the year before he retired.

"We would like to extend our thanks to Sheikh Mohammed for allowing this," said Chapple-Hyam. "It is a sporting and kind gesture and we are very grateful."

Simon Crisford, the racing manager for Godolphin, said: "Sheikh Mohammed felt he should do this sporting gesture. We have not yet decided who will run for the stable but the Sheikh believed it was only right to give Frankie the chance to win the race."

Racing UK, the dedicated racing channel, had already offered to give back to new viewers their first year's subscription, £180, if Dettori won this year's Derby. That was before the horse won in thrilling style this week and before the jockey was cleared to ride Authorized. There could be a host of happy subscribers come June 2.

Authorized is reported to be in fine shape following his four-length success in the Group 2 contest on the Knavesmire. "I was thrilled with the horse's performance," said Chapple-Hyam. "It was a great day and we hope there are more to come with him. He seems fine after his race, good as gold."

The spotlight switches to Newbury today, when the Lockinge Stakes takes centre stage. Jeremy, winner of the Betfair Mile, and Marcus Andronicus look the best of the colts but the fair sex may be the major players this time. Peeress, Red Evie and Speciosa make a formidable trio and each will have many followers.

The ground may not be quite as soft as Speciosa would want but she could still go close. Peeress, last year's winner and a model of consistency at high level, was pipped by Red Evie (2.45) in the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September and is 5lb better off.

Even so, it may well be that the younger Red Evie has improved and she could be the answer. The odds against her are attractive, which intrigues trainer Michael Bell. "I think it will be very similar to ground that she won on last year there so that won't be a problem," said the trainer. "She is an extremely lazy worker but looks in great physical condition so there is no reason to expect that she won't perform well.

"She has beaten Peeress the only time they met and she Peeress is favourite - I think that takes a bit of explaining. If one has won on the only occasion they have met and she is 10-1 and the other favourite, there is no logic to it, but there we are."

The Listed Paddypower.com Stakes is another tricky contest with some class acts among the five-strong field. Day Flight and Foreign Affairs may be the top two, although the three others, who have been out already this season, could have a fitness advantage. Even so, Foreign Affairs, who has to concede 3lb to his rivals, might be up to this over a trip that suits. Gold Options (3.15) is the tentative choice in the competitive London Paddy Power Gold Cup.

There is also seriously competitive racing at Newmarket, especially the mile-and-six-furlong betdirect.com Handicap. Many have chances but Shabernak (3.35), despite a disappointment at Kempton, on earlier form at Nottingham would be in with a chance.

There are fewer runners but plenty of chances in the 32Red.com handicap but Yossi (3.00) should run well.