Don’t rule out classy Al Zir, says Saeed Bin Suroor

FOR a man who recently saw 13 out of the 14 favourites he saddled beaten in a three-week period, he is surprisingly optimistic.

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has remained his cool, dignified self this spring while his paymasters have brought in another trainer, Mahmood Al Zarooni, to share the load with him at Newmarket.

Al Zarooni has two runners in the Investec Derby under Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin banner — the well-regarded Goodwood winner Rewilding and outsider Buzzword.

But forgotten man Bin Suroor, who has saddled just five winners all season, is surprisingly bullish over the chances tomorrow of Kieren Fallon's mount Al Zir.

The imposing son of Medaglia D'Oro has always been held in high regard by Godolphin and finished third in the Racing Post Trophy behind St Nicholas Abbey on his final start last season.

He failed to trouble the principals in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month but his trainer expects the step up in trip and the booking of three-time Derby winner Fallon will prove crucial.

"We're happy to use Kieren, he's a very good jockey and he rides Epsom very well," said Bin Suroor.

"I've liked this horse since last year. He's a good-looking animal and his work always showed some class.

"He has grown from last year and his last piece of work was very good, I was really happy with him. A mile and a half will suit him.

"He didn't show in the Guineas what he had been showing us at home, he was working really well and improving all the time.

"He's the best he's ever been and if he's good enough, he'll win."