Epsom Derby field shaping up

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam gave a positive bulletin on Wednesday as Saleh Al

Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar's AUTHORIZED (Ire) (Montjeu [Ire]) continued his

preparation for next Saturday's Epsom Derby (Eng-G1). Regular work rider Noel

O'Connor partnered the four-length Dante S. (Eng-G2) winner in gentle exercise

with a stablemate on the Limekilns Tuesday morning, and his conditioner was

delighted with his progress.

"He just enjoyed a nice canter with River Alhaarth -- it was routine stuff,"

Chapple-Hyam said. "But I'm absolutely delighted with the horse. It seems as if

his York race has brought him on. He will do one more proper piece of work

between now and the Derby."

Sultan Ahmad Shah's STRATEGIC PRINCE (Dansili [GB]), eighth in the English

Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) at Newmarket, is also on course for the Epsom

Derby. Last year's July S. (Eng-G2) and Vintage S. (Eng-G2) hero has pleased

trainer Paul Cole since his seasonal return in the May 5 classic.

"Everything is fine," Cole told Racing Post. "He is eating up and

moving well. He is pretty fit and on schedule -- there have been no hiccups. He

is a different horse this year. He has become more relaxed and is always going

forward in his work, and he went forward in the Two Thousand Guineas. I think

there could be around 14 runners and, hopefully, they will go a good pace. It's

when there are too few runners you might not get any pace."