Durcan in Fast lane: Jockey lined up for plum Classic ride
Ted Durcan, whose 2,000 Guineas hopes looked to have disappeared when Craven Stakes winner Twice Over was ruled out, could pick up a Classic bonus on Godolphin's Fast Company.
Frankie Dettori will partner the stable's leading hope Ibn Khaldun on Saturday but Durcan, who rode Fast Company when he was second to 2,000 Guineas favourite New Approach in last season's Dewhurst Stakes, is poised to retain the mount.
The move could leave the stable's No 2 jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who rode Sir Michael Stoute's unplaced favourite Adagio in last year's Classic, without a ride as Godolphin's third Guineas entry, Rio De La Plata, is pencilled in for the French 2,000 on May 11.
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Company man: Durcan (left)
Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, said: "It depends on what is happening with Rio and what the ground is, but Ted Durcan could stay on Fast Company.
"It wouldn't be a surprise because Ted rode him in the Dewhurst and has ridden Fast Company all winter in Dubai."
Fast Company attracted support yesterday with Guineas sponsors Stan James, who cut him to 12-1.
Jim Bolger's New Approach is their solid 2-1 favourite at the head of the 19 entries which include all the remaining major contenders.
Sir Michael Stoute's Perfect Stride, forced to miss the Craven Stakes through injury, is looking a more likely runner after a positive workout yesterday.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, said: "I can't say he is a definite runner yet but he is heading in the right direction."
He is Ryan Moore's ride but if he misses the race, the former champion jockey will switch to Jeremy Noseda's Strike The Deal.
Joint 2007 champion Seb Sanders will be on David Elsworth's outsider Stubbs Art, while Jamie Spencer, the man who shared the title, has yet to pin down a ride.
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He will be hoping that a vacancy arises among the four entries trained by his former boss Aidan O'Brien - Henrythenavigator, Jupiter Pluvius, One Great Cat and Plan.
HEADGEAR FIRST TIME: 2.20 Charmahal, Thenford Flyer; 2.50 Humid Climate; 4.20 Mutual Friend.
