Montjeu's son Authorized now red-hot Derby favourite

17th May 2007

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam made no secret of the high regard in which he held last season’s G1 Racing Post Trophy hero Authorized (3c Montjeu-Funsie by Saumarez) and the Montjeu colt is now 6/4 favourite to give his sire a second G1 Epsom Derby success in three years after a sparkling seasonal comeback at York.

Authorized, bred by Marengo Investments, Knighton House Ltd and Michael Kinane, was sent off odds-on favourite for the G2 Dante Stakes and jockey Frankie Dettori only had to give his mount a hands and heels ride to score by four lengths.

"I have always said that he is probably the best horse I have trained and I don't go back on that - he just has so much class," said Chapple-Hyam, who also saddled Dr Devious to win the 1992 Epsom Derby.

"He will improve from today to Epsom, there are no worries about that. He can do most things. He is very easy to ride, he doesn't get too stirred up but he was a bit fresh and I was a bit worried about that, but he is a no-problem horse.

"It is more relief than excitement to win here. I had to walk away in the final two furlongs as I thought he couldn't win that easily, but I am very excited now."