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Sea the Stars on the fence for Irish Derby Trainer John Oxx is likely to wait until the day of the race before committing Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) and English Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) winner SEA THE STARS (Cape Cross [Ire]) to the Irish Derby (Ire-G1) after the forecast continues to worsen ahead of Sunday. Drying conditions throughout the week had led to The Curragh staff having to water to maintain the going at good-to-firm, but showers are now set to hit the Kildare venue, and Oxx is content to wait on the outcome. "It's fine at the moment, and I think most people would be happy with the ground as it stands, but from our point of view the forecast has changed and there is an increased risk of showers tonight and tomorrow," Oxx said. "There could be some showers over the weekend also, but there is a lesser risk on Sunday, when it will be warm. We'll just have to wait and see how much rain falls, how heavy the showers are and what effect it has. The ground would be fairly receptive to rain, as there is quite a bit of moisture in it after a very wet day last week. "We are pretty hopeful it will be fine, but the chances of heavy showers are there," he continued. "We'll make a final decision when we can make it, and I'd imagine we'll declare him tomorrow, and on Sunday morning we'll know if we're out of the woods or not. We'll be in a position to make a decision at the end of racing on Saturday, and I would hope we'll know what the situation is then. I would like it to be clear-cut and not to be leaving it until the last minute. I am hopeful that the chances of him running are better than 50-50, but it's in the lap of the gods, really." The Curragh's Manager Paul Hensey gave an update on the track situation Thursday. "It's sunny and dry and the ground is drying by the minute," he explained. "We are expecting some rain in the morning, and if we don't get that we'll be watering again. If everything goes according to plan, it's likely to be good or good-to-firm." In other Irish Derby news, Johnny Murtagh will ride Criterium de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) hero FAME AND GLORY (Montjeu [Ire]) in the 12-furlong event while Seamus Heffernan has been named as the jockey for Epsom Derby third MASTEROFTHEHORSE (Sadler's Wells). Colm O'Donoghue will be back on Chester Vase S. (Eng-G3) scorer GOLDEN SWORD (High Chaparral [Ire]). Kevin Manning has won his appeal against a ban which would have ruled him out of the contest and will be free to ride Jim Bolger's GAN AMHRAS (Galileo [Ire]).
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