Dettori free to ride Epsom Derby favourite

LONDON (Reuters) - Frankie Dettori has been freed by his retaining Godolphin stable to partner hot favourite Authorized in the Derby at Epsom on June 2.

Dettori has ridden big race winners round the world but the Derby has eluded him in 14 previous attempts.

Authorized is trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam and Godolphin, the brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai, could have claimed Dettori for any of their runners but with no outstanding Epsom prospect in sight Dettori has been allowed to partner Authorized.

The Italian won impressively on the colt in Thursday's Dante Stakes at York, causing bookmakers to cut the odds for Epsom from 4-1 to 6-4.

A statement on Chapple-Hyam's Web site said: "We would like to extend our thanks to Sheikh Mohammed for allowing this. It is a sporting and kind gesture by Sheikh Mohammed and we are very grateful to him."