Tantalus, put into the Vodafone Derby at the second entry stage at a cost of £8,000, can show that it was money well spent by winning the Compass UK Leisure Predominate Stakes at Goodwood tomorrow.
Connections decided to go for broke after the son of Unfuwain made a winning debut at Doncaster in March.
Trainer Barry Hills wasted no time in testing the water for he stepped Prince Khaled Abdulla's colt up in class for the Victor Chandler Chester Vase two weeks ago.
Tantalus looked like lifting the Group Three prize when he hit the front over a furlong out, but he was run out of it close home and had to settle for third place behind Millenary.
He can gain compensation and book his Epsom ticket with victory in this 10-furlong Listed event. Tantalus is currently 40-1 with Ladbrokes for the Derby.
Nicobar, a good winner under top weight at Chester last time, can follow up in the Tote Trifecta Stakes.
Ian Balding's charge came with a strong run under Kieren Fallon to deny Camberley by three-quarters of a length in a highly-competitive 18-runner handicap over seven and a half furlongs.
He had earlier shaped well on his seasonal debut when third to Summoner in a conditions event over the straight mile at Doncaster in March, so the nine furlongs of this Showcase Handicap should not pose a problem.
Omaha City usually reserves his best form for Goodwood and can open his 2000 campaign in style with victory in the Newton Investments Management Handicap.
Brian Gubby's consistent six-year-old captured a handicap over tomorrow's course and distance under the welter burden of 10st last June and can continue his love affair with the Sussex track.
Last summer's Wokingham Stakes winner Deep Space can get off the mark this season by taking the Forest Alliance Conditions Stakes.
Ed Dunlop's sprinter showed that he could be set for another successful campaign when sixth to Cretan Gift in the Listed NGK Spark Plugs Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month.
At Beverley, popular northern performer Jo Mell can teach his younger rivals a lesson by powering home in the Racing Channel Digital Service 08705 515515 Rated Stakes over an extended mile.
The seven-year-old, from Tim Easterby's yard, is already a course winner this season, having hung on by a head from Petit Marquis a month ago and he has since finished a creditable 10th of 21 in the Sodexho Victoria Cup at Ascot.
Multiple scorers such as Rayyaan and King's Mill have helped Neil Graham make a tremendous start to the season.
Second Paige can began to do his bit by losing his maiden tag in the Racing Channel Available In Pubs And Clubs Handicap.
The Nicolette gelding should be suited by the step up to a mile and a half judged on his latest effort when he was beaten three-quarters of a length by Another Monk in a 21-runner 10-furlong handicap at Windsor.
Running For Me showed plenty of speed when holding Orchard Raider by a length on Southwell's all-weather surface two weeks ago.
Reg Hollinshead's youngster can follow up in the Watch The Racing Channel At The Beaver Selling Stakes. - PA
