Epsom ground remains unchanged after dry day

A DRY day at Epsom left the going unchanged on Tuesday with clerk of the course Andrew Cooper waiting to see if forecast showers hit the track before deciding whether further watering is required.

Speaking as he was walking the course late in the afternoon, Cooper said: "As expected we have had another hot, dry day but there is a change in the air at the minute.

"Some dark clouds are gathering over Tattenham Corner and there is a chance we could just see a thundery shower. It is not unexpected and there is a possibility of showery spells around lunchtime tomorrow, so we have an uncertain period ahead."

The going on the round course remained as good, good to firm in places and on the straight course it was good to firm, good in places. 

As regards to the possibility of adding to the watering from earlier in the week, Cooper added: "We will see what happens overnight and in the morning and take a view. We will see where we are at lunchtime tomorrow and nothing will be done in the interim."

The GoingStick reading was 8.4 on the round course and 8.8 on the sprint track.

Derby favourite Camelot maintained his dominant market position on Tuesday and his price shortened further with several bookmakers, including Coral, who had been top price about the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt but cut him to 8-13 (from 8-11).

Firm spokesman David Stevens said: "We were happy to lay Camelot at 8-11, but punters were even happier to take it, and in the last 72 hours it has been one-way traffic as far as the Derby market is concerned, with no notable opposition to the favourite, although perhaps this is not surprising, with nine-time winner Lester Piggott among those who reckon he only has to turn up to win."

However, Ladbrokes described the John Gosden-trained Thought Worthy as the "liveliest horse" in the Derby betting and cut him to 14-1 (from 25), while William Hill went 16-1 (from 25) about the same colt.