Gosden makes right sounds

Epsom Derby news: John Gosden issued an upbeat bulletin on Percussionist yesterday as the colt continued his preparation for the Epsom Derby.

Percussionist, who carries the colours of the late Robert Sangster, staked his claim for the blue riband with a 10-length victory on soft going in the Lingfield Derby Trial.

"I know everybody is enjoying the weather, but I hope that comes to an end very quickly and it starts raining again as Percussionist is by Sadler's Wells and likes to get his toe in," said Gosden, who tasted Derby glory with Benny The Dip in 1997.

"Percussionist is in great form. I took him to Newbury and schooled him on Saturday. He was as cool as a cucumber being saddled up because he got a bit bothered at Lingfield. We'll probably take him to Epsom give him a school there and wander round and see the place. He couldn't be in better form."

However, the Manton trainer has ruled out any chance of Day Flight being supplemented for the June 5th Classic. The Sadler's Wells colt, owned by Khalid Abdullah, burst onto the scene with a 20-length success in the Glasgow Stakes at York last week.

"He won't be supplemented. I thought the bookmakers were silly quoting prices to be honest," Gosden said. "I thought we made it quite clear afterwards. He's still learning and I don't think Epsom is the course for him at this stage of his career."

A decision has yet to be made on Salford City's participation in the Derby. David Elsworth's colt won the Lane's End Greenham Stakes at Newbury before finishing a four-length sixth behind Haafhd in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket at the beginning of the month. "We've always considered him for the Derby," Elsworth said. "After the Guineas we were pondering, but we were always going to declare him on Wednesday this week and it's still a strong consideration.

"However, I would emphasise a final decision still hasn't been made, but we will have him organised for the Saturday in June at Epsom. If we decide not to go there we'll go for the St James's Palace.

"You need a lot of luck in the Derby. Salford City has got plenty of speed and Epsom is a tricky track and horses become very unbalanced. Everybody wants to win the Derby, including myself, and if one has got a chance of winning the Derby you really ought to give it a go."