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Breakfast off the menu for Fabre Derby hope Waldgeist

Andre Fabre: planning to run Waldgeist in Derby
Andre Fabre: planning to run Waldgeist in DerbyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Andre Fabre-trained Investec Derby hope Waldgeist will miss Breakfast With The Stars but remains on track to contest the Epsom Classic, leaving Cracksman to lead the public workouts on Tuesday.

Waldgeist, who beat Epsom contender Best Solution in last year's Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud, had been earmarked to travel over for the exercise, an experience which paid off for Fabre's Derby winner Pour Moi in 2011.

But the trainer revealed on Sunday that it was proving too difficult to organise, so the event will go ahead without the French colt, but with Epsom Derby Trial winner Cracksman, Craven scorer Eminent and Best Of Days, the Hugo Palmer-trained Godolphin colt who has yet to run this season, are due to take part. Horseplay is the sole confirmed Investec Oaks entry taking part.

Fabre said: "Unfortunately, because there’s racing at Saint-Cloud which starts early we can’t make it to Breakfast With The Stars. We were planning to go but it was impossible. I wanted my jockey [Pierre-Charles Boudot] to ride, but there are important races at Saint-Cloud so we will miss the event."

Waldgeist – owned by Gestut Ammerland, Newsells Park and the Coolmore partners, and who is a general 25-1 shot for the Derby – suffered a surprise reverse in the Prix Greffulhe on his reappearance, finishing second to Recoletos.

"The Greffulhe was his first race of the year and he needed further," continued Fabre. "He's a staying horse. He quickened well and had a good introduction.

"I think he's good enough to be competitive in the Derby. I don't say he'd win it but he'd have a good chance."

Fabre added that Le Brivido, who was narrowly beaten in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, will be aimed at the Jersey Stakes.

Waldgeist's Saint-Cloud victim Best Solution won the Lingfield Derby Trial and is one of three colts being considered for the Derby by trainer Saeed Bin Suroor.

Dubai Thunder joined Dante runner-up Benbatl on the shortlist when winning a maiden at Newbury by ten lengths on his debut.

"They're all in the race but there's no decision," said the trainer on Sunday. "We will check on them this week, then Sheikh Mohammed will make a decision. After Sheikh Mohammed has made the decision then we'll decide on jockeys."

The Godolphin trainer said UAE Derby winner Thunder Snow, who was pulled up at Churchill Downs on a wasted tilt at the Kentucky Derby, is on target to run in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas this Saturday.

"Thunder Snow will more than likely run in Ireland," he said. "He'll work on Tuesday."

Published on 21 May 2017inNews

Last updated 17:48, 23 May 2017

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