Saratoga Springs bids to strengthen Aidan O'Brien's Epsom Derby hand even more in today's Dante Stakes at York, but O'Brien hasn't ruled out Second Empire making a late entrance to calculations.

The Grand Criterium winner is still on the easy list following a muscle injury, but O'Brien said yesterday: "We haven't given up hope of getting him to Epsom. He's only cantering at the moment but he's coming back slowly but surely and it will be a late decision to see if he'll run."

Saratoga Springs is having his first run today since winning the Racing Post Trophy and will race without the visor which he wore twice last season.

"He didn't wear a visor in the Racing Post and won, so we will leave it off. He works lazily but I think he'll run a good race and we'll wait and see about Epsom," O'Brien added.

O'Brien confirmed that King Of Kings is on course for the Irish 2,000 Guineas and that colt is also on the Epsom shortlist, especially with their being two weeks between the Curragh and Epsom.

Kincara Palace disappointed in Sunday's French 1,000 Guineas but will still be part of a strong Ballydoyle team, headed by Shahtoush, in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

"It didn't work out for her in France. She missed the break and then had nowhere to go," added O'Brien, who reported that Impressionist could join King Of Kings in the Irish 2,000.

Richard Dunwoody has delayed his return from injury to the middle of next week. The former British champion jockey, who has ridden 103 winners this season, expected to be in action at Chepstow today.