Greek Dance set for Epsom classic

Michael Stoute yesterday declared himself satisfied with leading Vodafone Derby contender Greek Dance as he puts the finishing…

Michael Stoute yesterday declared himself satisfied with leading Vodafone Derby contender Greek Dance as he puts the finishing touches to the colt's preparation for Saturday's Classic.

Greek Dance shot to prominence in the betting for the Epsom Classic following an impressive victory in the Michael Seely Memorial Glasgow Conditions Stakes at York earlier this month and is currently quoted at 9 to 2 with Ladbrokes and William Hill for the £500,000-added contest.

"We are happy with Greek Dance's preparation," said Stoute. "He is not an extravagant worker but he is taking his training very well."

However, Greek Dance will not get the chance to try out Epsom's unique track before the big day.

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"We've done some left-handed training with him at Newmarket," said the trainer. "He won't be coming down the hill until the Derby.

"He is sure to give a good account of himself in what looks to be a very good Derby with the filly (Cape Verdi) in as well."

Walter Swinburn will partner Greek Dance in Saturday's race and the rider, who this season returned from an enforced sabbatical due to increasing weight problems, has won the blue riband three times, on Shergar, Shahrastani and Lammtarra, and is currently riding at the top of his form having notched 13 winners in the last 14 days.

Meanwhile, a decision over the participation of 33 to 1 outsider Mutamam will not be made until later this week.

"I'll speak to Sheikh Hamdam later this week as he has another runner in the race (Haami) and he is keen to wait to see what the weather does and what the ground will be like before making a decision," explained trainer Alec Stewart. "At this stage Mutamam is best described as a possible runner."

Mutamam showed a deal of promise as a juvenile winning his first two starts and finishing a close third to Saratoga Springs in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on his third and final outing last season.

He reappeared in the Tote Predominate Stakes at Goodwood 12 days ago and was sent off the 11 to 10 favourite despite an interrupted preparation but was unsuited by the steady pace going down by half a length to Rabah.

"He didn't enjoy the slow early pace and then the last three furlongs were run in near-record time," added Stewart.

"But the race has brought him on a lot and I'm very happy with him."