Former Epsom Derby favourite Midterm (GB) (Galileo {GB}) hasn't been completely ruled out of the event after it transpired a hamstring injury may have prevented him showing his true colours when fifth, beaten seven lengths in last Thursday's G2 Dante S. at York. Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager for Prince Khalid Abdullah revealed, “The current situation, after speaking to Sir Michael [Stoute] is that we have found Midterm was sore in a hamstring behind. It has been isolated to that and obviously that has to come right for him to run in the Derby. However it is not insurmountable or else we would have pulled the plug already.” Grimthorpe continued, “At least it gives us some explanation of why he was so disappointing. We have to wait quite a few days and like everything we have got to be sure, so it will be a last-minute decision.” The regally bred Midterm, out of six-time Group 1 winner Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) was a warm favourite at York following his previous defeat of Algometer (GB) (Archipenko) in the G3 Bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown Apr. 22. However he never threatened the principals with jockey Pat Smullen afterwards reporting him as being 'babyish' and 'inexperienced.' Connections are still keen to do everything they can to get the colt to Epsom such is the esteem in which they hold the race, “We don't want to throw the Derby out because it is such an important race. Equally so, if Midterm does not come right in time, we would go the [G2] King Edward VII S. route,” concluded Lord Grimthorpe.
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