Horse Racing: Solid Credentials Make Authorized a Good Thing

Authorized, at 400,000gns one of the highest-priced yearlings of 2005, is beginning to look a bargain. Already worth considerably more as a stallion prospect, his value can soar with victory in today's Vodafone Derby. The old Epsom Classic may have lost some of its prestige but it is still the race everyone wants to win.

Peter Chapple-Hyam, the trainer of Authorized and the man who bid the six-figure sum for the son of Montjeu, tasted Derby success with Dr Devious in 1992. His career has taken several turns since then but, from his current base at Newmarket, Chapple-Hyam has given Authorized the perfect Derby preparation.

Of all the domestic Classic trials, the Dante Stakes at York has proved the most reliable. Shirley Heights, Shahrastani, Reference Point, Erhaab, Benny The Dip, North Light and Motivator all won the York race en route to Derby glory.

Authorized's Dante win was the equal of any of those. Always going well, he cruised up to the leaders under a tight rein and quickened clear when Frankie Dettori shook him up to win by four lengths, recording a very respectable time in the process.

The extra two furlongs of the Derby will hold no fears for Authorized, neither will the rain-softened ground. As for acting on the Epsom gradients, Authorized is a well-balanced colt who should still be traveling on the bridle on the tricky descent into Tattenham Corner. From what we saw at York, he should find plenty when they straighten up for home.

Three of today's rivals, Eagle Mountain, Regime and Petara Bay, were behind Authorized when he won the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Newbury last year. They have all given the form a boost at various levels, Petara Bay beating Salford Mill at Newmarket before finishing down the field behind the Sandown Classic Trial winner, Regime.

Eagle Mountain, meanwhile, underlined the value of the Newbury race by finishing fifth behind Cockney Rebel in the 2,000 Guineas. He was going on strongly at the finish and, of trainer Aidan O'Brien's eight-strong challenge today, Eagle Mountain can emerge from the pack to chase home Authorized.

Ballydoyle's blanket entry suggests none of the eight runners is considered a stand-out prospect. The betting points to Archipenko, the mount of Mick Kinane, as the first string and this colt established his claims with a comfortable win from stablemate Yellowstone in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.

Sinndar, Galileo and High Chaparral, the last three Irish-trained Derby winners, had all won the Leopardstown race. But the latest renewal was a muddling affair and may not be such a reliable guide.

Admiralofthefleet, winner of the Dee Stakes at Chester, may be the other O'Brien colt to run into a place behind Eagle Mountain and Authorized (4.20)