Godolphin added to its Classic armoury as the inexperienced Roscius put up a spirited display at Goodwood today.
The colt`s short-head defeat of St Expedit in the Compass UK Leisure Predominate Stakes was the highlight of a near 321-1 four-timer for Frankie Dettori.
The outcome of the race hardly had the bookmakers running - the first and second are still available at 40-1 for the Vodafone Derby - and neither is guaranteed to run at Epsom.
Going into the race it was Merry Merlin that appeared the most serious Derby contender but he was a big disappointment, dropping away tamely after making the running.
Whether Roscius joins his stablemate Best Of The Bests in the Derby remains open to doubt with the possibility that he will instead go to Chantilly for the French equivalent.
The once-raced Roscius forced his way to the front with three furlongs to travel and responded willingly for Dettori to keep St Expedit at bay in the Listed event.
Godolphin`s racing manager Simon Crisford conceded that Roscius is not at this stage in the same league as Dubai Millennium who won this race last year before going on to triumph in the Dubai World Cup.
'He`s a very nice horse, he`s improving and he tries hard. We`re delighted with the way he has run today,' he said.
'The Derby is a serious possibility though he does have the French Derby as an option.
'He`s got some class and will stay very well but at the moment Best Of The Bests has superior quality and represents our best chance at Epsom.'
Crisford admitted that the Godolphin team is looking forward to the Classics being staged all over Europe in the coming months.
He confirmed that they will mount a two-pronged challenge for Saturday`s Irish 2000 Guineas with Bachir and Glad Master while Meiosis tackles the fillies` version on Sunday.
St Expedit, who lost several lengths with a slow start, emerged with plenty of credit.
But his trainer Geoff Wragg said: 'I can`t tell you whether he will run in the DerbyI will need to consult the owner.'
Merry Merlin will not be supplemented for the Derby after trailing in second last.
The change in the ground was blamed for the poor performance of the colt who had impressed when winning the Dee Stakes last time.
'He just doesn`t quicken out of soft ground,' said trainer Michael Bell, who will now aim the colt at the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Dettori teed up his four-timer when newcomer Reach The Top overcame greenness to defeat Night Sight by three and a half lengths in the Trehearne & Norman Maiden Stakes.
