This day always brings back great memories of my time as an apprentice on the Curragh. Irish Derby weekend was the highlight of the year for us
16:45 – Buckhurst
I am going to kick off with the Alleged stakes and Sir Dragonet was unlucky at Ascot as he got caught in behind and Mountain Angel got away from him. Running here is a quick turnaround and different ground, so I am taking him on with Buckhurst, this horse failed narrowly over an inadequate trip at Navan, this is right up his street, he won at the track last year and is a progressive horse.
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17:15 – Elusive King
Elusive King was eye-catching last time at the track and with that run under his belt he is the one here. Jessie Harrington is well represented and her For The Trees might be worth watching with Scott McCullagh riding.
17:45 – Georgeville
Raise You is very interesting for Joseph O’Brien. This lad used to be with Andrew Balding and won for him at Newmarket last year. Bowerman won the Irish Lincoln and has earned the step up in grade. Georgeville has some really nice form. Even looking at him at Roscommon last year, I am going to take a chance on him for Dermot Weld.
18:15 – Romantic Proposal
Ice cold in Alex is a model of consistency but because of that gets no respite from the handicapper. I was really taken with Romantic Proposal last season and she looked well handicapped at the back end. I take her to continue her progress up the ladder.
DON’T MISS:
- Get the Latest Racing Coverage & Tips at Paddy Power News
- Our Traders Runner-by-Runner Guide to the Irish Derby
- Brendan Duke’s 5 to Thrive on Irish Derby Day
- Matt Chapman’s 7 from Heaven for ITV’s Saturday Racing
19:15 – Sherpa
The Irish Derby is a bit disappointing this year but that is no surprise. Aidan O’Brien is, as usual, represented by multiple runners and his Sovereign ran one and sprung a surprise last year. This year‘s race has the look of that kind of race again.
Santiago got the job done in style at Royal Ascot but this is a quick turnaround. Crossfire Hurricane is very professional I was impressed by his Gallinule stakes win, Arthur s Kingdom got outfoxed by Pyledriver at Ascot but gets headgear here. Sherpa is the real improver in here and I think will at least hit the frame for Donncha O’Brien. It could be a perfect start for this young trainer.
Conclusion: Crossfire Hurricane is the obvious one, but I am going for Sherpa each-way. Good luck.
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