‘LEAVE it late’ is what Kieren Fallon is being urged to do when he partners Rectial in Saturday’s Investec Derby.
That is what leading French bloodstock agent Gilles Forien – who bred the Montjeu colt on behalf of the Renee Geffroy and Caragh umbrella, before he was knocked down to Coolmore for 750,000 euros – believes.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Recital landed one of the most informative prep races for the Epsom Classic, the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown under Fallon last month.
But he hung badly in the closing stages leading some to think the ups and downs of Epsom may not be the ideal track for a horse who seems to have inherited some of the more quirkier traits of his talented sire. But Forien doesn’t think that will have any effect, although he is hoping Fallon will leave it later than he did at Leopardstown to make his move for glory.
Recital is currently a best-priced 5-1 third favourite for the Epsom Classic.
And Forien said: “We bred Recital and sold him in Deauville for top price, so I know a lot about him.
“He is a very strong horse, but I am not worried about his attitude, or his ability – I am worried about how the horse will be ridden. He should be held up until the last furlong at the very earliest, otherwise I do not think he can win. If you come too strong with him halfway down the straight he will not be able to show his best form.
“He is a good horse and can win the Derby, but a lot will depend on Kieren Fallon. My instructions to him would be to leave it late.”
Fallon has already won Flat racing’s blue riband three times and few ride Epsom better than the six-time champion jockey. He passed up the chance to partner the Ed Dunlop-trained Native Khan to partner Recital. And Forien also has a vested interest in Dunlop’s hope as he was also reared by the Frenchman and his wife, Aliette.
Forien added: “Native Khan is favourite horse of mine and I think he will be in the money if he stays a mile and a half. He is a horse that will not disappoint.”
Another horse hoping not to disappoint his followers is The Queen’s Carlton House, whose participation in Saturday’s Derby is in doubt.
Currently a best-priced 9-4 with Paddy Power, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt sustained a strained ankle in a work-out on Monday.
Connections have hinted that he will be declared at this morning’s 48-hour declaration stage but a final decision on his participation will not be made until tomorrow.
Her Majesty’s racing manager, John Warren, said: “We’ve got the next few days to see if it (the ankle strain) is cooling itself down – that’s going to be key. The good thing is the horse is sound and he’s moving well.
“He’s on trotting exercise but, of course, Sir Michael Stoute would love to be getting some good cantering into him at this point.
“Luckily, we’ve got the most experienced trainer in the country and the best rider (Ryan Moore) in the country.
“We’ve got a chance (of running). It’s not without a possibility that he’ll stand in the line-up.
“He won’t run unless the trainer is completely content that he’s sound.
“By Friday we’ll know more.”
He added: “There is no medication allowed into a horse going into a race.
“All that can be done is to ice him, wrap him, and hose him, and just get the blood circulating into that joint to speed the process up. It’s wait and see for the next 48 hours.”
TODAY’S NAP: Night Affair (6.30pm Sandown).
