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Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini has been confirmed for the Epsom Derby, following a successful gallop at the track on Tuesday morning.
The Camelot colt worked comfortably alongside stablemate Chipstead and Epsom-based trainer Roger Teal was quick to confirm Dancing Gemini's return to the track for a tilt at the Derby.
Winner of the Listed Scotsman Stakes as a juvenile, Dancing Gemini returned with a promising second in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas). Ridden off the pace by Dylan Browne McMonagle on a day where the racing suited front runners at Paris-Longchamp, the colt was agonisingly denied a Classic victory by half-a-length from Metropolitan.
A return to France for the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly was on the cards, but Teal confirmed his preference to remain on home turf in a post-workout interview, held during the Jockey Club's Epsom Gallops Morning.
"He looked good coming down the hill to me and I just wanted to confirm with William (Fox, rider) what he felt. He was delighted and said he handled the track beautifully.
"It was a nice healthy exercise, the whole point of coming here was to give him a feel of the layout of the track. It looked good and William said it felt good.
"I think we're going to come here (to Epsom). It's very tempting to go back to France but it would be lovely to win the English Derby, or have a crack at the English Derby.
"To come here with a live contender is wonderful and it's very exciting for all the team involved."
Dylan Browne McMonagle rode Dancing Gemini in France and will keep the ride for Epsom.
"Dylan will ride him. He's already been on the phone to see how he worked," Teal added.
"The connection came through Mr Fish (owner). Mr Fish has horses with Joseph (O'Brien) and Dylan rode a Listed winner for Mr Fish with Dancing Tango last season. Joseph kindly offered Dylan's services because we were looking for a jockey that we could stick with - there are lots of good lads over here but they are attached to big stables so unfortunately we needed to broaden our horizons.
"He's bought into what we're doing, he believes in the horse and he's very confident in the horse, especially after France. He's a cool cookie and that's what you need on big days."
