Atzeni confident of Elm Park glory

Andrea Atzeni is confident he is on the right horse for Derby success when he rides Elm Park in Saturday’s Classic.

Atzeni went close to landing his first win in the Blue Ribband last year when he partnered Kingston Hill to a runner-up finish behind Aidan O’Brien’s star Australia, but is optimistic he can go one better this time around.

The Racing Post Trophy winner made his return to action in York’s Dante Stakes last month and came home third behind Derby hopefuls Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs.

Those two rivals head the betting for Saturday’s race but Atzeni insists that Elm Park will improve and reverse the form to land Derby glory.

Atzeni told the Racing Post: “One of the main reasons I can see the Dante form being reversed is that Elm Park will come on a lot for the run. Also the mile and half trip could bring out the best in him at Epsom.

“I’m a big fan of Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs. Jack Hobbs seemed to work well at Breakfast with the Stars and looked potentially good. But I wouldn’t swap Elm Park for anything to be honest.”