Walter Swinburn was back aboard a Derby favourite yesterday after he partnered Greek Dance to a comprehensive victory at York. His hopes of gaining a fourth success in the Epsom Classic soared when he steered the colt to a sixlength triumph in the Michael Seely Memorial Glasgow Stakes.
The bookmakers took notice after Swinburn said, "I can't think of many others I would rather ride," following Greek Dance's defeat of one-time contender Capri.
Ladbrokes promoted the Michael Stoute-trained challenger ahead of Dante Stakes winner Saratoga Springs to become its new 4 to 1 favourite, while William Hill shortened him from 14 to 1 to 5 to 1.
However he is 7 to 1 with both the Tote and Coral, who now bracket City Honours and Saratoga Springs, as their 6 to 1 joint favourites.
Swinburn has made no secret of his enthusiasm for Greek Dance since he successfully returned from his "sabbatical" from the sport.
But the style with which the son of Sadler's Wells brushed aside Capri from two furlongs out has convinced him he has found a contender that could add to his wins on Shergar, Shahrastani and Lammtarra.
"I've liked him since the day I first sat on him. The horse feels right, that's why I feel so excited and I believe he could make the same sort of progression between now and Epsom as he has done since winning his maiden at Newmarket," he said.
Greek Dance was engaged in the Dante but Stoute opted for the easier target because he was "being windy!
"Maybe it was the more sensible race to go for at this stage," he explained. "But I was very pleased with his display today. It was very smooth and this horse will have to be seriously considered now."
Kieren Fallon allowed rank outsider Evening Chorus to make the early running before sending on Capri.
But the colt, twice a winner over a mile and a half, had insufficient speed over two furlongs shorter and stayed on to take second by half a length over Fruits Of Love at the line.
Busy Flight gained revenge over his old foe Persian Punch in the £110,000 Merewood Group Yorkshire Cup and the pair are now set for another slugging match in the Ascot Gold Cup.
