Scorpion goes to France

RACING: It still might not be definite about who Kieren Fallon will ride in Saturday's Derby at Epsom but one definite Derby ride this weekend for the former champion jockey will be Scorpion in Sunday's Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

Aidan O'Brien yesterday confirmed Scorpion will take his chance in the French Derby which will be run for the first time over a mile and a quarter.

The Montjeu colt was one of three Ballydoyle horses taken out of the Epsom Derby on Monday but he gets the chance to fill in a rare classic blank for his trainer on Sunday.

Another Irish colt who is intended to travel to Chantilly is John Oxx's Derrinstown runner- up Alayan.

Just two Irish-trained horses have won the French Derby, Assert in 1982 and Caerleon the following year.

"The plan is for Scorpion to go to France. It looks like just being him for that race at the moment," said O'Brien who also said final arrangements for his Epsom team are likely to be made today.

A trio of Virginia Waters (Fallon), Silk And Scarlet (Michael Kinane) and Mona Lisa (John Murtagh) will be declared today for the Oaks while jockey arrangements for a four-strong Derby challenge are set to be tied up today as well.

"They all have to have tests done and we will see if they are okay before deciding. They cantered this morning and everything seems to be fine with them. So far everything is good," O'Brien added.

Fallon's comments on Monday that his heart could lead him towards picking Gypsy King on Saturday, as well as the colt being tipped up in a prominent UK tipping line, resulted in the Dee Stakes winner shortening to 4 to 1 second favourite in the betting yesterday.

"I think it's a combination of the two things and we have had good money for Gypsy King. As a result Motivator has slipped to 11 to 4 and Dubawi is now a 5 to 1 chance," said a Paddy Power spokesman.

John Murtagh's Jockey Club appeal this morning will decide if he will be able to ride Motivator at the weekend but Jamie Spencer is definitely in line to ride David Wachman's Fracas in the Derby.

The colt worked yesterday morning and Wachman reported: "He worked well, we're really happy and it's all systems go. I believe Epsom are putting a bit of water on and as long as it keeps goodish I can't see it being a problem to him."

Other Irish interest at Epsom will include Dermot Weld's Dream To Dress who is set to be declared today as her trainer tries to emulate his 1981 success in the race with Blue Wind.

Leopardstown's card this evening could provide a perfect classic warm-up for Fallon with his mount Cherokee in the featured Group Three Ballyogan Stakes just one of a number of well-fancied mounts.

Cherokee's debut win in a Listed race last year suggested speed was her thing and a run in the French 1,000 Guineas only seemed to confirm that. She made the pace to the furlong pole and was then allowed come home at her ease.

Up against her this evening are the Greenlands winner Moon Unit as well as a trio of cross-channel runners headed by the prolific Kind in the Juddmonte colours. Another to consider is Sweet Treat but Cherokee was bred for speed and over six furlongs she can start living up to that.

Fallon is on the Newbury runner-up Ivan Denisovich in the opener and the jockey's power could also be the key to Enfield Chase who did well to run third at Naas under 10st last time and goes now in the seven-furlong handicap.

Solskjaer found the company too hot in the Tattersalls Gold Cup but he has already won this season over the course and distance of the Glencairn Stakes.

Along with the other Group winners Latino Magic and Mustameet he has to concede weight in this Listed company but a rating of 111 still looks to leave him ahead of the opposition.

Miss Toulon won a Sligo hurdle last week under a pretty big weight and she is clearly in good enough form to make her presence felt in the qualified riders race.