When Ed Dunlop's number popped up on Adam Kirby's phone, the top jockey never really thought it would lead to a ride in the Cazoo Derby.
Kirby feared the trainer was joking about linking him up with John Leeper, 7-1 for the big race at Epsom on June 5 with Paddy Power.
A clutch of other high-profile riders, including Hollie Doyle, had been named as likely partners for the son of Frankel and Dunlop's Snow Fairy - who won the 2010 Oaks for the same owners.
But now the plan is being put into action – as Kirby rode John Leeper around Epsom Downs Racecourse on Monday.
“It was brilliant when I got the call to ride John Leeper," the rider said.
"I didn’t know whether Ed was winding me up as he has got that in him, but luckily he wasn’t.
"It is a great ride to pick up and thanks to Ed and all the connections. Let’s hope we can pull it out of the bag for them. It would be lovely for him but let’s hope it all goes smoothly on the day."
Sitting on the well-bred colt for the second time, Kirby said he seems an ideal type for the Classic a week on Saturday.
"He relaxed beautifully in behind and when I pulled him out in the straight he gave me a really good feel so I’m really pleased with him," he added.
"Hopefully everything will be perfect for him here as all the signs are pointing that way."
John Leeper, named after Dunlop’s father and training great John, was joined by Charlie Appleby's Derby contender One Ruler.
The latter has also primed Hurricane Lane for the race, a top price of 8-1 in the market headed by Aidan O'Brien's Bolshoi Ballet (2-1. Bet365)
Commenting on the pair, Appleby said: "One Ruler and Hurricane Lane are two different horses. One Ruler has solid Group One two year old form and is a Group Three winner at two as well as winning the Autumn Stakes, which is a great race to have coming into a three year old career.
“Hurricane Lane on the other hand had one run on bottomless ground at the back end of last year at Newmarket. He then came out and did what he did at Newbury before going to York. He comes here as an unexposed horse. He wouldn’t have the natural pace of One Ruler.
“Hurricane Lane you wouldn’t have been dropping into Group One company as a three year old over a mile as he is very much a staying type. As we saw in the Dante his best work was in the last couple of hundred yards. Everything bodes well to step him up to a mile and a half as it might seek further improvement.
“The day of Masar (winning the 2018 Derby) was one we will never forget from myself, my family and the team’s point of view. He was the first horse to win in the Goldolphin blue and for His Highness and the Royal family to be here it was a very special occasion. We all know winning the Derby is something everyone would love to have on their CV.”
Saffron Beach (Jane Chapple-Hyam), Mystery Angel (George Boughey) and Ocean Road (Hugo Palmer) each had a pre-Cazoo Oaks workout.
