Ryan gets another late Derby call

Willie Ryan yesterday declared he had "a good chance" of scoring as a Derby "super sub" for the second year running. The jockey, who stepped in to steer Benny The Dip to victory at Epsom 12 months ago, is relishing the chance to repeat the feat on Saratoga Springs tomorrow.

He got the call-up yesterday after Irish champion trainer Aidan O'Brien elected to add last Sunday's French Derby fourth to his team which also includes Second Empire and King Of Kings.

And after he was released from Haydock commitments by retaining trainer Henry Cecil, Ryan said: "It's nice to be taking part again.

"I had to clear it with Henry as I am contracted to him but he's very kindly let me off.

"Saratoga Springs is obviously a good horse. He stays, and he has got a good chance."

The jockey, who believes it unlikely he will sit on the colt before Saturday, is renewing acquaintances with O'Brien. He explained: "I rode for him in Ireland in the first year he trained and it will be nice to renew the association."

Ryan was also a late booking last year for Benny The Dip - like Saratoga Springs the winner of the Dante Stakes at York.

He stepped in for the mount when Frankie Dettori and Olivier Peslier were unavailable and earned wide praise for his riding at Epsom, kicking for home early in the straight and holding off Silver Patriarch by a short-head.

Pat Eddery is also looking forward to teaming up with King Of Kings on Saturday.

"I flew over to Ireland last night and rode King Of Kings in a sevenfurlong spin this morning with a stable-companion," he said.

"It was nothing serious but he looks tremendous and gave me a great feel. It is super to get a ride on a horse like him in the Derby and I am looking forward to Saturday."

Ryan's booking was the biggest surprise on the day that 15 threeyear-olds were declared to face the starter for the Derby - with rank outsider Pegnitz the only withdrawal.

Saratoga Springs has been declared in a visor, which he wore when winning the Acomb Stakes at York and finishing third in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last year but not in his four outings since.

Ryan will wear Michael Tabor and Sue Magnier's second colours, with a red cap to distinguish him from Michael Kinane on Second Empire.

Also in second colours will be Mutamam, whose owner Hamdan Al Maktoum runs Haami as well, and City Honours - Godolphin's "second string" to Cape Verdi.

The 1,000 Guineas winner Cape Verdi will bid to become the first filly to win the Derby since Fifinella in 1916.

After a rain-free day the going remains good at Epsom, where the two-day meeting gets underway today.