'My previous one didn't go so well' - Kingscote hoping for a better Derby ride

Richard Kingscote was in Surrey on Cazoo Derby day last year and will be again this time but the first Saturday in June will be very different for him in 2022.

Twelve months ago he was at Lingfield, where he rode the winner of a Class 5 novice event worth £2,862 to the winner. This season he will be 20 miles across the county at Epsom on board the hot favourite for Britain's most famous race, with £1.5million on the line.

Desert Crown certainly gives Kingscote every chance of improving on his record in the race.

Dante Stakes full result and race replay

"I've had one previous ride in the Derby," he recalled. "It was one of Harry Dunlop's, who won the Lingfield trial and didn't go so well in the Derby."

The chance to improve on Knight To Behold's 11th of 12 behind Masar at Epsom in 2018 comes thanks to the jockey's grabbing the opportunity of forming a partnership last year with Sir Michael Stoute, whose go-to rider Ryan Moore is now invariably required by Aidan O'Brien.

"I'm in a very privileged position to be able to work under Sir Michael and Ryan," Kingscote said after landing the Dante, in which Moore finished third on Bluegrass. "I've been very lucky that Ryan had one in the race and people are trusting enough to let me on him."

Richard Kingscote on Desert Crown: 'He's answered quite a few questions and he's done it in a likeable manner'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Kingscote has plenty to look forward to in Desert Crown and said: "He was really relaxed, going a nice rhythm, he moved into it well in the straight and he did everything I asked him.

"He's done well from two to three. I sat on him last week and I was taken with how well he's filled out. They've done a great job with him."

Desert Crown edged right late on but the jockey said: "He was in front a long time, I think we can forgive him. He's not really done a great deal wrong today. I think he's answered quite a few questions and he's done it in a likeable manner."

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