Frankie Dettori was yesterday left with a Vodafone Derby dilemma after former favourite Adair forced his way back into the Epsom picture.
The Italian, without a victory from seven previous rides in the race, had seemed set to partner last week's impressive Predominate Stakes winner Dubai Millennium for Godolphin in next Saturday week's classic. But he may now be tempted to switch to Adair, who delighted him in a full-scale early-morning work-out at Leicester racecourse yesterday.
Ladbrokes are unable to split the pair, quoting both Dubai Millennium and his once-raced ex-American stable-companion at 8 to 1 for Epsom.
"Frankie is not committed to either horse at the moment, although the intention is to run both of them in the Derby," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.
"There are a lot of different factors for him to consider and I expect riding arrangements will be firmed up in a week's time."
"We'll have to wait until next week to see how both horses are doing. It just looks as if Adair's coming to himself now but it's nice to have a choice of two," added Dettori.
Next Derby hope to have a racecourse work-out will be Housemaster, who will make an early "getting-to-know-you" visit to Epsom itself.
He will have a spin over the course tomorrow morning, giving jockey Willie Ryan his first chance to partner the colt who will in turn be able to gain experience of the unique switchback track.
Explaining the decision to make an advance trip to Epsom, trainer Michael Bell said: "Housemaster is going to familiarise himself with the course - a bit of match practice can't do him any harm.
"But he is the most straightforward ride in the yard, an absolute Christian."
Brancaster's preparation for the Derby will step up a gear at home at Manton today. The Newmarket 2,000 Guineas fourth's stamina will be put to the test in a workout over a mile and a quarter - just two furlongs short of the Derby trip.
Harry Herbert, racing manager to Brancaster's owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club, said: "He will do some serious work over a mile and a quarter tomorrow and he's going to be ridden by Jimmy Fortune."
