Carlton House continuing Derby preparations in style

The Queen’s colt, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, came through his final serious exercise before Epsom with flying colours as he easily disposed of his lead horse.

“He worked over seven furlongs on the watered gallop. He stretched out really nicely, ridden by Ryan Moore, who was thrilled with the way he went,” said Her Majesty’s racing manager John Warren.

“He’s gone the right way since York and the trainer and jockey were very satisfied and it was very pleasing to watch. As far as I know that was his last serious piece of work before Epsom. It’s very exciting.”

The trainer also expressed his delight at the way the build-up to the Derby is going.

“I’ve been happy with his preparation and it was very satisfactory work. He seems in good shape,”added Stoute.

“Let’s hope things go smoothly between now and Derby day. The Dante was a slowly-run race which is never satisfactory. One would have preferred a truly-run race. What we do know is that he does quicken and we hope he’ll stay. He’s a well-balanced horse with good rhythm.”

All eyes will be on Stoute’s 2010 Derby hero Workforce when he makes his eagerly-awaited seasonal debut in the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown this evening.

Despite his obvious claims, the son of King’s Best, who was last seen landing the Arc, has not been handed a simple task.

He has to give all his rivals 7lb and he was beaten on his only previous attempt at a mile and a quarter in the Dante just over a year ago.

Stoute admitted: “He’s done very well physically but I think he’s really going to need this race.

“We decided we wouldn’t be in a rush with him this year. We’ve ended up going to Sandown but it’s a race I don’t particularly like because he’s got a 7lb penalty, which is very tough.

“He’s going back two furlongs as well. I think the main thing is to get his season started and I’ll be glad just to get him back on the racecourse.”

n Wetherby tonight plays host to the final meeting of its 2010-11 campaign and Ebor-winning handler Gordon Elliott is a welcome visitor to the West Yorkshire venue.

The County Meath trainer kicks off with Sounds Of Thunder in the opening Watch This Race Free Live On Racing UK Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and the Tobougg filly is sure to go off a red-hot favourite after winning her most recent race in this sphere, and going under by just a head in a Wexford Flat event last week.

Her stable companion Bacher Boy finished a couple of places ahead of her when sixth in the charity race at the Punchestown Festival and Elliott has opted for the Book Your Christmas Party Here Novices’ Chase as the starting point for his fencing career.

Deemed good enough to warrant a crack at Grade Two company over hurdles, this quick-ground lover should be suited by conditions and a clear round will make him the one to beat.

AP McCoy turns up for just the one ride on the card, and the hint cannot go unheeded in the ‘Party In The Paddock’ Next Thursday Handicap Hurdle.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained O’Callaghan Strand stepped out of novice company for the first time at Worcester last week and showed excellent resolution to prevail in a head-bobbing finish under the champion.

n Dozy gave Kevin Ryan another winner of the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley.

The Thirsk-based trainer was bagging his third win in the last six years in the event, which has lost its Listed status but still produced a strong field.

Sent off at 9-2, the Jamie Spencer-ridden filly travelled sweetly and stayed on strongly to be on top in the last 100 yards, having been switched and asked for an effort two furlongs out.

The winner had a length-and-a-quarter to spare over favourite Vocational (7-4).