(Edited press release)
A total of five horses have been added to the Vodafone Epsom Derby (Eng-I) at the second entry stage, which enables horses that were not entered at the yearling stage to be supplemented at a cost of £8,000 (about $15,800).
Two of the second entries hail from the Maktoum family’s Godolphin operation. Dijeer won two of his four starts last season when in the care of Michael Jarvis, including the Horris Hill Stakes (Eng-III) at Newbury, while Mythical Kid, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, went down by a short head to Dijeer in the race. The extra two entries mean the Saeed bin Suroor-trained contingent for the Vodafone Derby now stands at 15.
Barry Hills is still seeking his first Vodafone Derby victory having trained four runners in Rheingold (1972), Hawaiian Sound (1978), Glacial Storm (1988) and Blue Stag (1990). The Lambourn handler has added the Gainsborough-owned Dubai Twilight to his contingent this year, giving him four entries total. Dubai Twilight has made three appearances to date, most recently when landing an April 1 maiden in good style at Lingfield Park.
Irish handler Eoin Griffin has entered Finicius, who won a 20-runner maiden at the Curragh last summer, before finishing fifth in the Anglesey Stakes (Ire-III) at the same course.
Finally, local trainer Terry Mills has entered Kid Mambo. The Lemon Drop Kid colt showed good form in 2006, winning a mile maiden at Sandown Park and finishing second in the Autumn Stakes (Eng-III) over the same distance at Ascot. Mills now has three contenders going forward for the £1.25 million contest.
Stephen Wallis, managing director at Epsom Downs, commented: "It is always exciting to see further Vodafone Derby contenders emerging at the second entry stage and taking up the sporting challenge.
"While not wanting to appear biased, it is wonderful to see the locally-trained Kid Mambo added to the field, and hopefully he will be able to fly the Epsom flag at Epsom Downs on the first Saturday in June."
