Cape Verdi delay

Connections OF Cape Verdi will leave a decision on the filly's intended Epsom target as late as possible, it was revealed yesterday.

The Newmarket 1,000 Guineas winner is entered in the Vodafone Oaks and following her impressive victory at Newmarket Sheikh Mohammed was considering supplementing Cape Verdi for the Derby.

The final supplementary stage for the Derby is on Saturday morning when the owners will have to pay £75,000 to enter.

"Cape Verdi is fine," reported Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford. "The owners will make a decision on which race she goes for at Epsom on Saturday."

Cape Verdi is currently quoted at evens "with a run" for the Oaks with William Hill, 7 to 4 "all in" with Coral and 2 to 1 "with a run" for the Derby with Hills and 9 to 4 "with a run" for the Derby with Coral.

The Derby favourite, Greek Dance, the mount of Walter Swinburn, continues to impress in his build-up to next Saturday week's big race. The Michael Stoute-trained colt, who is on offer with William Hill's at 9 to 2, has delighted connections since his impressive win in the Glasgow Stakes at York.

Swinburn revealed yesterday: "He did a little spin the other day, his first since York, and he looked all right."

"If he is good enough for Mr Stoute he is good enough for me. He is going there with a great chance. Let's say I am looking forward to riding him."

Kieren Fallon looks set to spend much of next winter in Hong Kong after he was issued yesterday with a three-month licence covering December to February inclusive.

He will be joined by Michael Hills, who was the only other rider to be issued with the privileged status of "club jockey" during that period. Fallon rode briefly as a freelance in Hong Kong last winter but found it hard to get rides. In the advantageous role of club jockey both Fallon and Hills will be assisted in finding rides by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.