Godolphin have an eye on the sky

Godolphin will be praying for rain between now and Saturday to ensure suitable ground conditions welcome their Derby hopeful Dubawi over the weekend.

Dubawi confirmed his dislike for firm ground when he floundered in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month, after being sent off a red-hot favourite.

However, the son of Dubai Millennium showed his true colours when comfortably winning the Irish equivalent on soft ground.

Godolphin have categorically said that Dubai will only make Saturday's Derby line-up at Epsom, provided the ground is suitable.

Which it sadly is not, at the moment.

Only 15mm of rain has fallen at the track in May and the weather forecast not forecasting rain this week has forced Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford to warn: "We have made it very clear ever since the 2,000 Guineas that Dubawi will not be raced on ground that is too firm.

"It wouldn't matter what the race was, or what course we are talking about, he won't run or even be trained on a surface we are not confident is suitable for him," he told the Racing Post.

"We saw what happened at Newmarket, and he clearly isn't happy on going that is as fast as it was there."

Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper commented: "The forecast is for mainly dry weather during the run-up to the meeting. There could be some showers but it is not guaranteed.

"I will walk the course and, if necessary, we will resume watering today."

Which will be music to Crisford's ears.