Hills partners montaff at Epsom

Richard Hills will ride Montaff in the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday week.The experienced rider receives the leg-up aboard Mick Channon's colt as Darryll Holland is suspended, while he has also been confirmed to ride Channon's Youmzain a day earlier in the Investec Coronation Cup.The West Ilsley handler told his website, www.mickchannontv.com: "Richard will have a sit on Montaff at the Breakfast With The Stars, and it will give the colt valuable experience of Epsom nine days ahead of the Derby. I'm glad to get Richard, who has bags of experience of Epsom." He added: "He'll also continue his association with Youmzain in the Coronation Cup."Montaff, second to Age Of Aquarius in this month's Lingfield Classic trial, is a general 50-1 chance to pull off a surprise Derby victory for the depleted British squad.Channon is, however, adamant the son of Montjeu has the potential to raise a few eyebrows on June 6.He added: "He'd been held up with a splint problem and so was entitled to need it (the run) at Lingfield."He was carrying condition, and I'd expect him to improve between five and 10 lengths. It was his first look at a racecourse this season, and going to Epsom is just the ticket."The timing is dead right and it will enable him to get a feel of the track. I'll let him swing down the hill behind his lead. "I'll eat my hat if he doesn't surprise a few people in the Derby."