Mick Fitzgerald: Broome can sweep to victory in the big one at the Curragh

Who'll take the spoils in the feature Irish Derby at 5.20?

LEOPARDSTOWN Flat racing

Derby day at the Curragh brings back some great memories for me. I was down at the furlong pole when Richard Quinn dropped his stick on Insan when he got beat by Kahyasi – and having backed him I was not a happy bunny!

The opening race (13:45) is one where an old favourite gets the nod. Course and distance winner Sors has been dropping in the weights all the time, the fitting of a visor now is also a plus, so Andy Slattery and his son get the vote.

Speak in Colours (14:20) ran a blinder at Royal Ascot Behind Blue Point and was narrowly beaten at the track by Mr Lupton. He has to give weight to a few of these and Southern Hero is one to keep an eye on – he had some great form in South America and he could run a big race.

Speak In Colours

Jessie Harrington could not be in better form and her Pincheck (14:55) ran some great races last season, comes in here fresh and will run well at a price. However, giving weight to Wisdom Mind could be hard and the O’Brien brothers could be in for a good day.

When I went to see Joseph O’Brien before Royal Ascot he was really looking forward to running Buckhurst (15:30). When you see how well Constantinople ran you can see why – he narrowly beat this lad and I take Buckhurst to be the value bet here.

Jassar (16:05) is versatile trip wise and D.K. Weld loves a winner on Derby day, so that one gets the nod in this tough handicap.

The big one, the Irish Derby, is at 17:20 and hard to think Aidan O’Brien won’t win this.

It’s just a case of whether Broome or Anthony van Dyck will be better for this track. Anthony Van Dyke got a dream run up the inside at Epsom but Broome was slow away. I have a marginal preference for Broome with Donncha on board.

Madhmoon ran a belter at Epsom and they must fancy themselves to get revenge after his stumble in the Derby. It would raise the roof if Kevin Prendergast could win the derby at his home track.

Find a full range of betting from the Curragh over on paddypower.com