The Queen’s Carlton House heads 17 hopefuls remaining in Saturday’s Epsom Derby following the confirmation stage.
Sir Michael Stoute’s three-year-old has attracted huge media interest due to his Royal connections and shot to the head of the betting for the Epsom Classic with a superb effort in the Dante Stakes at York.
Aidan O’Brien looks set to unleash his usual strong challenge, with Dante runner-up Seville and Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Recital heading the Ballydoyle team.
Memphis Tennessee, Treasure Beach and Roderic O’Connor also remain in the reckoning, although the latter is expected to contest Sunday’s French Derby instead.
Ed Dunlop’s 2000 Guineas third Native Khan is another major player, while Godolphin’s hopes appear to rest on Ocean War.
Sheikh Mohammed’s operation has also left in Casamento and Genius Beast, but other targets are preferred.
John Gosden is double handed at this stage with Masked Marvel and Nathaniel, while Andre Fabre’s Pour Moi is set to be joined on the trip from France by the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained Vadamar.
Castlemorris King, Marhaba Malyoon and Pisco Sour complete the possibles.
PA AAP TURF
