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| |  Sunday, 3 June, 2001, 17:26 GMT 18:26 UK Stoute plays waiting game Golan goes to the front in the 2000 Guineas BBC Sport's Cornelius Lysaght speaks to trainer Sir Michael Stoute about his twin hopes for the Vodafone Derby. Sir Michael Stoute enters Derby week with two big hopes for the premier Classic - and that means two major worries. For while any trainer would love to have two-thirds of the top three in the betting, Stoute has been badly let down by injuries at the 11th hour before. So despite having 2000 Guineas victor Golan and Dante Stakes winner Dilshaan primed to run, nothing is being taken for granted. "We haven't had the greatest of luck in the run-up to the Derby in the last decade," admitted Stoute ahead of the race, which takes place on 9 June. "So we are a little bit nervous about that, really. We'll take each day as it comes.
"We'll be happy to get them both there in good shape, and then it's up to them." It is 20 years since Stoute clocked his first Derby success with the breathtaking 10-length win of Shergar. Since following up five years later with Shahrastani, he has been seeking his third win and looks to have a great chance this time. As the big day edges nearer, Stoute gives the calm air of authority. But as he puffs on a cigarette, there is a hint of nerves. "We pretend to be calm, but we are not," he revealed. "We've never had two leading contenders, but we've got a very professional outfit here. "I think everybody is looking forward to it. We've just got to do our job to the best of our abilities."
The odds on Stoute winning the race, with either horse, will be skinny but there is a big threat on the horizon from across the Irish Sea. Aidan O'Brien's Galileo has been well backed in recent weeks, and is said to have improved for his last run. Stoute was suitably impressed after watching a video of that win. "He certainly indicated that he would stay well," said Stoute. "I thought he had a lovely rhythym and looked very athletic. But I can't worry about the opposition. I've just got to get these two in good shape." | |
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