‘He is a very solid candidate’: Charlie Johnston says Dubai Mile can go the distance in the Derby

Trainer Charlie Johnston believes Dubai Mile is a ‘very solid candidate’ for Saturday’s Betfred Derby, when the move to a mile and a half looks like a big positive for the Danny Muscutt-ridden 14-1 who finished fifth in the 2,000 Guineas.

Johnston, in his first season as sole training licensee at his stable at Middleham after a season as joint licensee with his record-breaking father Mark, will run two in the Derby with Dante Stakes eighth Dear My Friend also in line at Epsom.

But it’s Dubai Mile, who beat Frankie Dettori’s latest Derby-mount Arrest by a head in last season’s Group One Gran Criterium de Saint-Cloud, who has by far the highest expectations.

Johnston said, ‘If a horse can win a grueling finish over a mile and a half on heavy ground in his two-year-old career, you can reasonably be confident that a mile and a half will be within his reach as a three-year-old. -years old.

‘Since Saint Cloud, the Derby has been number 1 on the Dubai Mile. In terms of pure form and ratings, he is among the top in the race.

“There’s only Arrest and Auguste Rodin scored higher than him and that’s not much.

“He is a Group 1 winner who has done little wrong in his career so far. I think he’s a very solid candidate.’

Johnston also hopes the Dubai Mile’s ability to handle the undulations of the Newmarket circuit well means it can handle the challenging slopes of Epsom.

French jockey Mickael Barzalona, ​​winner of the 2011 Derby at Pour Moi, appears to be confirmed as Dear My Friend’s Derby jockey, and Johnston runs 1,000 Guineas fifth Dance In The Grass (Joe Fanning) at Friday’s Oaks.