Rte.ie

Connections of Desert Crown expressed their satisfaction after the Cazoo Derby favourite enjoyed an early-morning workout on the Watered Gallop in Newmarket on Thursday.

So impressive when winning the Dante at York earlier this month, the Nathaniel colt is a best-priced 9-4 to provide trainer Michael Stoute with a sixth Derby success following the previous triumphs of Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Kris Kin (2003), North Light (2004) and Workforce (2010).

While the Watered Gallop is usually closed on Thursdays, Desert Crown was given permission to use the strip that sits adjacent to the Rowley Mile alongside fellow Saeed Suhail-owned stablemate Solid Stone.

And with big-race jockey Richard Kingscote in the saddle, the Epsom favourite pulled nicely clear of the 112-rated six-year-old ahead of his bid for Derby glory on Saturday week.

Bruce Raymond, the owner’s racing manager, said: “He went nicely and everyone is happy. He went on the Watered Gallop and we’re very pleased with him.

“He’s not a great worker, but I believe everyone was very happy with him this morning.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Balding reports Masekela on course for the colts’ Classic.

The El Kabeir colt won the Denford Stakes and was also a short-head second to Native Trail in the Superlative Stakes as a two-year-old and returned to finish an encouraging runner-up to Eydon in the Feilden Stakes in his first outing at three.

Although withdrawn at the start of the Dante, his intended Derby prep race, Balding has now confirmed it is all systems go for Epsom.

“He passed his stalls test on Monday and that is the intention,” said Balding.

“I think the horse has improved a good deal since Newmarket, especially in his home work. Obviously, there is stamina question marks on his sire’s side, but also some room for optimism on the dam’s side.

“I’ve been impressed by the way he has worked since the Feilden Stakes and on his two-year-old form he’s not a million miles away from at least deserving his place in the field.” text here. Use the block’s Settings tab to change the caption position and set other styles.

Picture: Desert Crown (Nathaniel) (Edward Whittaker (Racing Post))