Kieren Fallon has been urged to play it cool in the Investec Derby - by the man who knows Recital as well as anyone.
Leading French bloodstock agent Gilles Forien bred the highly-strung colt, on behalf of the Renee Geffroy and Caragh umbrella, before he was knocked down to Coolmore for 750,000 euros.
Many observers feel Recital will be ill at ease competing at Epsom, which is renowned for its unpredictable cambers, after he hung discernibly left when winning the Derrinstown Stud Trial in May. Forien does not prescribe to that theory, but feels Fallon needs to be more considered than at Leopardstown, when he made a winning move two furlongs from home - a fact the rider has since acknowledged after what was his first outing on the colt.
"We bred Recital and sold him in Deauville for top price, so I know a lot about him," said Forien.
"He is a very strong horse, but I am not worried about his attitude, or his ability - I am worried about how the horse will be ridden. He should be held up until the last furlong at the very earliest, otherwise I do not think he can win.
"If you come too strong with him halfway down the straight he will not be able to show his best form. He is a good horse and can win the Derby, but a lot will depend on Kieren Fallon. My instructions to him would be to leave it late."
Fallon, three times a winner of the Derby and an undisputed master of Epsom, has snubbed the Ed Dunlop-trained Native Khan in preference for Aidan O'Brien's colt.
Forien also has a vested interest in Dunlop's candidate as he, too, was reared by the Frenchman and his wife, Aliette.
"Native Khan is favourite horse of mine and I think he will be in the money if he stays a mile and a half," added Forien.
"He is a horse that will not disappoint."
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