Connections of leading Vodafone Derby hope Motivator have expressed themselves pleased with the ground conditions at York ahead of the colt's run in the totesport Dante Stakes.
Michael Bell's stable star will launch his Classic campaign in the Group Two contest on Thursday, having last been seen landing the Racing Post Trophy in impressive style.
Both of his wins as a juvenile came on ground described as soft, but Harry Herbert, spokesman for the Royal Ascot Racing Club, said today that good ground would be fine.
"The ground is pretty soft at the moment at York - good to soft, soft in places - and while it is a drying week, we are not overly concerned about the ground," he told At The Races.
Good ground is probably what we are hoping for, but good, good to soft is fine. If the ground got very quick we would be concerned, but it appears the ground is going to be ideal for him.
Herbert continued: "Touch wood he is in terrific form. I spoke to Michael this morning and he is very pleased with him. We are just desperate for Thursday to come and the horse can do the talking - one way or the other."
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Gypsy king now heads the market for the June 4 classic at Epsom following his win in the Dee Stakes at Chester.
