Frankie granted permission for Authorized ride
by Keith Hamer
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FRANKIE DETTORI has been granted permission by Godolphin to partner hot favourite Authorized in the Vodafone Derby.
It will be the best chance Dettori has had to land a first triumph in the world's greatest Classic that has so far proved elusive.
The Italian's boss Sheikh Mohammed today gave his approval for the Godolphin-retained jockey to ride Peter Chapple-Hyam's runner at Epsom on June 2.
Dettori has successfully ridden Authorized in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy and also in Thursday's totesport.com Dante Stakes at York, in which he strengthened his place at the head of the Derby market.
"Frankie Dettori will ride Authorized in the Derby," the Newmarket trainer told www.peterchapplehyam.com.
"We would like to extend our thanks to Sheikh Mohammed for allowing this.?
"It is a sporting and kind gesture by Sheikh Mohammed and we are very grateful to him."
The colt is reported to be in tip-top shape following his four-length romp over Raincoat in the Group 2 contest on the Knavesmire.
"I was thrilled with the horse's performance," added Chapple-Hyam.
"It was a great day and we hope there are more to come with him.? "He seems fine after his race - good as gold. There are no problems at all with him."
The rest of Authorized's connections are eagerly awaiting Derby day.
"He did it very impressively. There's still better to come from him - he needed the race," said Tony Nerses, racing manager to owners Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar.
"We are very excited. He is the worthy favourite for the Derby now.?
"He showed he has trained on and he's everything you want a horse to be.?
"We never doubted him. I backed him at 66-1 for the Derby beforehe had seen a racecourse. From what he had shown on the gallops we had faith in him.?
"He's fine and has come out of the race well. We are very pleased with the way he has taken the race.?
"Barring accidents we are all set to go to Epsom now."
Dettori's agent Ray Cochrane revealed the jockey was overjoyed at being allowed to ride Authorized in the Derby.
"It's great news. Sheikh Mohammed said this morning that he would be delighted for Frankie to take the ride. It's very kind of him," said Cochrane.
"I was delighted that Authorized's owner put Frankie on him when he was available.?
"Frankie's absolutely chuffed to bits. He's like a dog with two tails.?
"Authorized looks like a special horse. Everybody at the yard has always thought him a Group 1 horse."
