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ENGLISH DERBY: Bonfire Can Cope With Epsom Excitement

3 minute read

Trainer Andrew Balding believes Bonfire's temperament will stand up to the test of the electric atmosphere of Derby Day at Epsom on Saturday.

Bonfire is the winner of the G2 Dante Stakes at York, often the key trial for the Derby, but there is concern due to the exuberant antics he displayed on the way to the start that day.

However those who know him best believe there is nothing malicious about his character and a couple of sessions with event rider Dan Jocelyn have helped him enormously.

Balding told At The Races: "We're just hoping for a good run. The word coming about Camelot is that he can't be beaten so we can't get too excited, but as long as he runs a decent race he'll be thereabouts.

"I think it's the same for all of them (at Epsom). Nothing worries the horse - he's playful, but he's not a worrier, as such.

"There's going to be a lot going on Saturday and it will be a challenge for all of us, not just him.

"Dan Jocelyn has had a couple of sessions on him which I think has really helped the horse mentally."

Main Sequence is David Lanigan's first Derby runner and the Upper Lambourn trainer is looking forward to saddling the Aldebaran colt, who stretched his unbeaten record to four in the Derby Trial at Lingfield.

Lanigan said: "Everything's fine. He's come out of his race well and he's had a quiet couple of days.

"He had his last proper piece of work on Saturday over six and a half furlongs. He'll have a blow-out on Wednesday and that will be it.

"He doesn't do a whole lot at home. He'll join his lead horse, put his head in front and that's it. He's never been the most flamboyant worker. He's pretty straightforward."

Brian Meehan has decided that Most Improved will make his return to action in Sunday's Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly after he was forced to miss his intended comeback in the Craven Stakes and also the 2000 Guineas through injury.

He held an entry in the Heron Stakes at Sandown on Thursday, but Meehan has aimed straight for the top with the Lawman colt, who has done all his racing to date over seven furlongs.

Sunday's G1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) is run over over 10 and a half furlongs at Chantilly.

"His preparation for the 2000 Guineas was interrupted but he is now back in very good form and working well," Meehan said.

"The French Derby was always on the agenda as a possible post-Guineas target, and it makes even more sense as he is French-bred and eligible for owners' premiums."

Most Improved will be ridden by Kieren Fallon in the French Derby.