KIEREN FALLON is set to partner Aidan O’Brien’s Recital as he bids for a fourth success in the Investec Derby at Epsom this Saturday.
The former champion jockey has turned down the ride on the Ed Dunlop-trained Native Khan, who was third in the 2,000 Guineas, in favour of O’Brien’s Montjeu colt, whom he partnered to victory in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial earlier this month.
Recital is currently a best-priced 7-1 with William Hill, Paddy Power and Boylesports.
O’Brien will have four runners, with Christophe Soumillon set to partner Dante runner-up Seville – who is also a best-priced 7-1 with most bookmakers.
Colm O’Donoghue will be on board Treasure Beach with the trainer’s son, Joseph, on Memphis Tennessee.
The riding arrangements were announced by O’Brien’s wife, Anne-Marie, on her Twitter account and the Irish trainer has left Roderic O’Connor among the 17 entries at the five-day stage.
But the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner will not line up at Epsom and will head to Chantilly on Sunday for the French Derby.
Connections of Native Khan are now on the look-out for a jockey.
Fallon had partnered the Azamour colt in a racecourse gallop at Epsom last week and trainer Dunlop was naturally disappointed with the six-time champion jockey’s decision.
Dunlop said: “Obviously I’m disappointed for the clients who specifically wanted Kieren, but the enticement of the great Ballydoyle battleship steered him towards their horse.
“The horse is very well. We must not forget he has run five times and Fallon has actually only ridden him twice.
“Obviously it’s a late change, but we’ll be very happy with the deputy we will almost certainly have.”
Current champion, Warrington jockey Paul Hanagan, is one of four jockeys to have partnered Native Khan and he along with the others – Eddie Ahern and Olivier Peslier – could be in line to take over.
Carlton House is currently the 6-4 favourite with Stan James, Blue Square and Boylesports to give The Queen a first victory in the Derby.
And the Street Cry colt is on course for Saturday’s big race.
The Queen’s racing manager, John Warren, said: “Carlton House is on target for Epsom.
“He had a nice blow yesterday at Newmarket and the trainer is very happy with him at this point.
“Carlton House will be kept ticking over this week.
“There is excitement all round and I think the whole country is starting to focus on it and everyone is excited by the prospect.”
Meanwhile Fallon will also partner O’Brien’s Cheshire Oaks winner Wonder Of Wonders in Friday’s Investec Oaks.
O’Brien’s wife again confirmed on Twitter the Ballydoyle stable’s riding arrangements.
She said: “Kieran (sic) Fallon will ride Wonder Of Wonders in the Oaks on Friday and Seamus Heffernan will ride Misty For Me.
“It is possible that we will also run Why and Eirnin in Epsom on Friday.”
Wonder Of Wonders is a 4-1 second favourite with several firms including Coral and William Hill behind Godolphin’s 1,000 Guineas heroine Blue Bunting, who is generally a 2-1 chance with most bookmakers.
TODAY’S NAP: Cane Cat (9pm Yarmouth).
