"5 genuine, legitimate chances" for Godolphin in wide open Derby

Godolphin is set to have multiple runners in the world's most important Classic, the G1 Investec Derby, at Epsom on June 3.

John Ferguson, Godolphin's chief executive and racing manager, said at Epsom's 'Breakfast With The Stars' that the stable could have as many as four colts carrying the famous Royal Blue colours, plus one in the silver jacket of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

He highlighted the Saeed bin Suroor-trained trio -- Best Solution, winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial, Benbatl, who was placed in the G3 Craven and G2 Dante Stakes, and Dubai Thunder, the 10-length winner of a Newbury maiden -- plus the Hugo Palmer-trained Best Of Days.

He also spoke in glowing terms of the Mark Johnston-trained Permian, who took the Listed Newmarket Stakes and the Dante and is Sheikh Hamdan's representative in Classic.

"We have five names on the teamsheet, and 10 days to go ahead of one of the great races of the world, and it would not surprise me if one of them won," Ferguson told an audience of around 250 guests at the official launch of the Investec Derby Festival.

"All five have genuine, legitimate chances. Permian continues to improve and has a really big chance. He has a world class pedigree and is in great form," he pointed out.

No decision on jockeys will be taken until nearer the race.