Christophe Soumillon to ride 100-1 shot in the Derby with up to 150 syndicate members descending on Epsom

Lazy Griff might be a 100-1 shot for Saturday's Betfred Derby, but he would have to be 1-100 to have the most owners present for the Classic – with Middleham Park Racing expecting up to 150 syndicate members to descend on Epsom.

The Charlie Johnston-trained son of Protectionist, who was second behind Lambourn in the Group 3 Chester Vase on his seasonal reappearance under Joe Fanning, will not just have the assistance of a very vocal support – but also that of Christophe Soumillon, with the legendary French-based jockey coming over for the ride.

Middleham Park director Tim Palin said: "Christophe was aboard for his Group 3 win in France and was keen to come across and ride. It's great to have him and we can't wait for Saturday.

"He cost just €75,000 and we're mixing it with the very best. I remember Michael Bell pulled it off with Motivator, so we're hoping for a repeat."

Christophe Soumillon: rode Lazy Griff to victory at Chantilly in SeptemberCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Soumillon partnered Lazy Griff to a neck victory in the Group 3 Prix de Conde at Chantilly in September, form which has been boosted by runner-up Gezora going on to land the Group 3 Prix des Reservoirs and the Group 2 Prix Saint-Alary on French Guineas day last month.

On the army of owners they will be bringing, Palin added: "I think we'd have north of 100 there, it could be as many as 150 when we're all organised.

"Epsom has been very kind in terms of badge allocation and I'm spending ten hours every day trying to organise the troops to get down there.

"We should have a massive Middleham contingent there, possibly for six or seven runners, as all of ours entered are likely to take their chance. There's plenty getting their glad rags ready for it, which is great.

"A Saturday Derby has its critics, but it's certainly better for our syndicate members to be able to watch their horses.

"Most big sporting events around the world are on Saturday or Sunday, and racing has to keep up with them. I'd imagine if the Derby was on Wednesday we'd have half as many attendees, so it's clearly working."

On Lazy Griff's chances, he said: "The ground is important – he wouldn't want it too quick. They're meant to get a bit of rain and we'd be hoping for good ground. The more rain that falls the better. As long as it's no quicker than good then we'll take our chance.

"He ran a blinder in the Chester Vase when he was probably last off the bridle. I thought he was going to win turning in, but those powerful genes the Ballydoyle horses have kicked in as Lambourn beat us in the final furlong.

"We'd get a bit more excited if the rain came, but he's in great shape at home, he's come on for his seasonal debut and if he was to finish fourth or closer then we could think about the St Leger as he might improve over further."

Betfred Derby, Epsom (Saturday, 3.30)

Betfred: 5-2 Delacroix, 7-2 Ruling Court, 5 Pride Of Arras, 6 The Lion In Winter, 12 Damysus, 14 Lambourn, Midak, 16 Stanhope Gardens, 20 bar. 

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