Godolphin duo left in

Leading Epsom classic contenders Cape Verdi and Bahr were among the 19 acceptors announced yesterday for the Prix de Diane Hermes…

Leading Epsom classic contenders Cape Verdi and Bahr were among the 19 acceptors announced yesterday for the Prix de Diane Hermes (French Oaks) at Chantilly on Sunday.

Cape Verdi, supplemented for the Vodafone Derby last Saturday, and Vodafone Oaks favourite Bahr have only been left in as a precautionary measure. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford was quick to dispel any doubts over Cape Verdi and Bahr's intended engagements. "It's just the usual precautionary measure," he explained.

"Everything is fine with both Cape Verdi and Bahr and Cape Verdi will run in the Derby."

Nor was Crisford worried by the recent spell of wet weather that caused the abandonment of yesterday's Pontefract card.

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"We will have to wait and see," he continued. "There's no question of hurrying into a decision, but the going would have to change most significantly for us to re-consider our position at Epsom."

Godolphin also have La Nuit Rose, placed in both the French and Irish 1,000 Guineas, in the 10-furlong classic.

Aidan O'Brien's Sagitta 1,000 Guineas second, Shahtoush, an Epsom Oaks probable, is another acceptor.

The Aga Khan holds a strong hand - his quartet includes Zalaiyka and Zainta, winners respectively of the French 1,000 Guineas and Prix Saint-Alary. Alwiyda and Mannsara complete his foursome.

Criquette Head's Prix Marcel Boussac winner, Loving Claim, also figures among the entries.

The other acceptors are: Minority, Another Dancer, Abbatiale, Plaisir Des Yeux, Freak Out, Good Enough, Evening Set (Germany), Paularia, Insight and Banquise.

Marcus Tregoning, former assistant to Dick Hern, had his first winner as a trainer when Sabhaan won at Brighton yesterday, beating Grand Slam by three and a half lengths.