Damysus’ Dante second is inspiring Betfred Derby dreams for the Wathnan Racing team, who have confirmed it is “all systems go” for a tilt at Epsom glory.
It is the second time the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt has hit the frame in a recognised trial for the Premier Classic and having stepped up on his Sandown showing to chase home Pride Of Arras at York, he is now as short as 10-1 in places for blue riband success on June 7.
“We were delighted with him and there was not much pace in the race but he stayed on well down the middle of the track with a fair headwind,” said Richard Brown, racing adviser to the owners.
“I thought Kieran (Shoemark, jockey) gave him a beautiful ride and it’s all systems go for the Derby.
“We may go for Breakfast with the Stars but we’ll see what John and Thady want to do and the dream is still there. He’s going to be in the first five or six in the betting and that is a hard thing to achieve for any racing operation.”
James Doyle’s Return
Damysus’ Derby bid is also inspiring James Doyle’s impending return to action, as the Wathnan number one makes a rapid return to the saddle after surgery to repair the broken collarbone suffered in a fall at Chelmsford last month.
“I sat and rewatched the race with James and the team yesterday and James said he’s such a nimble horse – his exact words were it would be like riding a motorbike round Epsom,” continued Brown.
“James is chomping at the bit to get back to ride him. It’s exciting and there’s only one Derby and we’ll have a crack.
“James will be back next week and has worked so hard to get back. He is the ultimate pro and he’s been in the gym three hours a day for the last two weeks and has already passed his return-to-ride tests, so he’ll be back on a racecourse soon which we are delighted with.
“We’ve missed him and just knowing every day you have a world-class jockey on your side makes the world of difference.”
