Hopes were high yesterday that deposed favourite Beat All would be able to make the line-up for Saturday's Epsom Derby after an injury scare. But the Michael Stoute-trained colt has been relatively friendless in the betting, as support grows for Godolphin's Dubai Millennium - but not for stable-companion Adair - who is now clear market leader.
Beat All was left in the race at yesterday's noon acceptance stage but Stoute cannot yet confirm the colt a definite starter. "His Derby entry was confirmed this morning but we have to take things stage by stage," the trainer said.
"Beat All continues to make steady progress. He had a swim yesterday morning, was shod yesterday evening and ridden walking under saddle this morning."
Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Saeed Suhail, added: "He is much better and is being walked every hour at home. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hope he will run in the Classic."
Beat All lost his position at the head of ante-post betting after news broke that he had pricked a foot on the gallops last Friday. William Hill quote the colt, winner of a Listed race at Newmarket last month, at 8 to 1 in a field of 21 declared yesterday.
At least his backers could get a run for the money, unlike those who supported winter favourite Commander Collins - well beaten in the 2,000 Guineas and withdrawn from the Derby yesterday. Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam has also taken out Bienamado and relies solely on 2,000 Guineas fourth Brancaster.
Another notable omission was John Hammond's Montjeu, a leading fancy after his Prix Greffulhe win at Longchamp in April but now heading for Sunday's Emirates Prix du JockeyClub (French Derby) at Chantilly instead. His trainer said yesterday. "He's going to Chantilly on Sunday and I'm expecting him to run well. On the balance of things we felt he would be better suited by Chantilly rather than Epsom."
The only French colt left in the Epsom Classic is unbeaten Val Royal from the stable of Andre Fabre - no other French trainer has had a runner in the Derby since 1991.
Godolphin declared Rhagaas, alongside their apparently main hopes Adair and Dubai Millennium with the last-named promoted to 5 to 1 favourite by both the Tote (from 13 to 2) and William Hill (from 11 to 2). Adair's price was pushed out from 9 to 1 to 12 to 1 by the Tote.
Housemaster will complete his build-up on the all-weather gallops at Newmarket tomorrow. "Housemaster could not be in better shape - it's just a case of keeping him ticking over until the big day but you can't wrap them in cotton wool," said trainer Michael Bell.
