Mark Of Esteem aiming for Epson

MARK OF ESTEEM'S temperature has returned to the equine equivalent of 98.4 degrees, and he will resume his build up to the Epsom, Derby today.

The Godolphin team's 2,000 Guineas winner was reported to be running a high temperature on Tuesday and missed work becoming the latest of this year's Epsom candidates to be the subject of bad tidings following recent injury scares toe Dushyantor and Dr Massini.

However, Simon Crisford, Go dolphin's racing manager, was able to deliver a more upbeat bulletin yesterday and, following another day of rest, Mark Of Esteem is expected back in fast work at the weekend, a week before the Derby.

"He had a normal temperature, this morning and is fine in him self," said Crisford. "We opted to give him another easy day today, so we gave him a lead out. He appeared to be very bright and we hope to have him back in tack tomorrow.

"You have to take it day bye day, but all being well he will have some fast work at the weekend and we still hope to make it for the big race."

Mark Of Esteem remains a 7-1 chance with William Hill for the Derby.

The firm, which quotes Glory Of Dancer as its 9-2 market leader, has cut Mark Of Esteem's stable mate Mick's Love to 16-1 (from 20's) after the unbeaten Law Society colt was confirmed an intended Epsom runner on Tuesday.

Don Micheletto, Godolphin's winner of Goodwood's Predominate Stakes last week, is "very likely" to be supplemented for Sunday's French Derby after impressing in his homework yesterday.

"He worked this morning. We are pleased with the way he worked and pleased with the way he has come out of the race at Goodwood," added Crisford.

"He is very likely to be supplemented for the Prix du Jockey Club but the day after work is just as important so we'll see how he comes out of it tomorrow.

"A final decision will be made tomorrow but he is all set, to go unless something happens.