PUNTERS yesterday backed French champion trainer Andre Fabre to complete a Derby double at Epsom this Saturday. Cloudings, the only overseas runner left in the Epsom Classic at yesterday's declaration stage, has been cut in price across the board to follow-up stable-companion Peintre Celebre's victory in the French Derby at Chantilly on Sunday.

Ladbrokes yesterday cut the dual Longchamp winner's price from 16 to 1 to 12 to 1 while the Tote reduced his odds from 20 to 1 in to 10 to 1, Coral from 25 to 1 to 14 to 1 and William Hill from 20 to 1 to 12 to 1.

Ladbrokes spokesman Ian Wassell said: "Despite trying to keep Cloudings on our side after Peintre Celebre's victory yesterday our customers have also taken the hint and been keen to join in the gamble on the French colt."

The Tote's Rob Hartnett added: "loudings has been very well backed and has brought the Derby market back to life."

Entrepreneur remains an odds-on shot with all firms after just 16 runners were confirmed for the Derby by yesterday's noon deadline.

Michael Tabor's 2,000 Guineas winner is the only runner from the Newmarket Classic to stand his ground, following the defection of second-placed Revoque and Desert Story (sixth).

Most of the 16 are intended runners, with Luca Cumani yesterday confirming Grapeshot on course for Epsom, scotching fears that the race would attract an unusually small field due to Entrepreneur's presence.

Barry Hills will decide today on riding plans for Musalsal and The Fly while no jockey has yet been confirmed for third favourite Benny The Dip.