Top young Brighton jockey Ryan Moore might like to try a rain dance to improve his chances of a surprise victory on his first ride in the Derby.

That is the tip from Kate Hodson, who looks after Moore's big race mount Unfurled at John Dunlop's Arundel yard.

Hodson believes Unfurled's prospects will improve if the heavens open ahead of Saturday's showpiece at Epsom.

"I am not sure about his chances," she admitted. "I personally think he is a soft ground horse, so I would like to see a bit of rain.

"He is out of Unfuwain and they like a bit of cut in the ground. He proved he will run on fast ground when he won the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood but I think he found that a bit difficult."

Richard Quinn piloted Unfurled to victory at Goodwood but he has overlooked the unbeaten colt and stable companion Kong in favour of The Geezer, trained by David Elsworth.

Hodson is happy to have Moore as a replacement. "He's a very good jockey and he is enthusiastic," she said.

Hodson, from Northamptonshire, switched to Dunlop's Castle Stables after a stint at the now retired Josh Gifford's jumps yard at Findon. Unfurled is providing her with her first involvement in the Derby.

"I am excited but apprehensive at the same time," she said. "It will be a good experience.

"Unfurled is a lovely boy, a gentleman really, very placid and easy going. He doesn't let anything bother him. He is good to lead up and comes out of his races well."

Hodson insists there is no great rivalry with Hannah Brown, from Lewes, who looks after Dunlop's other Derby hope Kong.

"Me and Hannah get on really well," she said. "It's nice to have a runner in the Derby and we are not going there overly confident. We are just going to enjoy the day.

"Hopefully one of them will prevail for us. There is not really any rivalry there. Sometimes we get a little bit of mine is better than yours' from the lad that rides Kong but it's just a bit of a lark, nothing serious."

Elsewhere in the build-up to the big race, Godolphin will rely on Dubawi after racing manager Simon Crisford confirmed Shamardal is set to head for the French version.

Kieren Fallon has hinted he will leave a decision over his Derby mount to trainer Aidan O'Brien. The Irishman is torn between Gypsy King and Oratorio and is finding it tough to separate the pair.

Gypsy King has shown immense promise, having taken the Dee Stakes at Chester, while Oratorio is battle hardened having won a Group One at two and contested the English and Irish Guineas this season.

"Oratorio has the form but my heart says Gypsy King," revealed Fallon. "He was always going to be my Derby ride but then Oratorio went and ran so well at The Curragh in the Irish Guineas.

"The decision is up to Aidan. It is a toss up, a very difficult decision. The main thing is that the stable does the business, whichever one it is."

Harry Herbert, racing manager of owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club, has issued an upbeat bulletin concerning favourite Motivator.

"I spoke to Michael (Bell) and Motivator is ready to roll," he said. "Michael is absolutely delighted with the way Motivator is and it is now just a matter of keeping him ticking over."