Australia, Kingston Hill top Irish Derby entries
|
Eleven horses have been left in Saturday's Group 1 Irish Derby at the Curragh following Tuesday's final entry stage. As expected, Epsom Derby hero Australia and runner-up Kingston Hill dominate proceedings with the former expected to go off a raging hot odds-on favorite to give his trainer Aidan O'Brien his record 11th success in the race. Apart from Australia, O'Brien has also left Geoffrey Chaucer, Kingfisher, Meekong River, Orchestra, Table Rock and War Command in the race. "Australia is in good form and remains on course for Saturday's race," said a Ballydoyle spokesman Tuesday morning. "The chances are we will run three or four in the race." Kingston Hill ran a smashing race at Epsom and his trainer Roger Varian reported recently that his colt will be more suited to the Curragh. However, Varian also said that Kingston Hill needs a bit of cut in the ground and he is hopeful that the forecast rain on Thursday and Friday is sufficient to allow the horse take his chance. |
True Story flopped when only seventh behind Australia at Epsom, but the Saeed
bin Suroor trainee looked all at sea on the track that afternoon and is surely a
lot better than that. He has reportedly worked very well in a visor at home
since his Epsom adventure and will be fitted with that piece of equipment in
Saturday's contest.
Fascinating Rock was one place behind True Story at Epsom and just like that
colt, he too was completely unsuited by the track and is expected to do a lot
better at the weekend.
"Fascinating Rock has done really well since Epsom," Curragh-based trainer
Dermot Weld said recently. "The horse just didn't handle the track that day and
we expect a better showing from him on Saturday."
Ponfeigh will represent another local trainer in John Oxx, who has won the
race twice in the past with Sinndar (2000) and Alamshar (2003).
"Ponfeigh has had two quick runs but he is in good order and will take his
chance in Saturday's race," Oxx said Tuesday. "We have always liked this horse
and he has a nice turn of foot. Obviously the step up in grade and trip is
unknown territory for him but on form he is entitled to take his chance."
The Curragh ground is currently good-to-firm and light watering recommenced
Tuesday.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
Authors
Categories
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Daily Selections
Full racecard analysis/expert picks for major tracks from America's top handicappers.
Buy Nowe-ponies Picks
E-Ponies computer-based figures have been around since 1997. Using an algorithm written by the business owner and handicapper, Liam Durbin, and powered by BRIS data files, E-Ponies offers a unique, fact-based, dispassionate analysis of every horse in every race, assigning scores for speed, class, form, connections, and more. Forget which jockey owes you money! What does the data say!
Buy NowBruno With the Works
Bruno De Julio & team bring 30+ yrs experience observing racehorses to Brisnet with valuable insight into their morning routines & chances for success in the afternoons.
Buy NowValue Plays AI by Predicteform
Full race card program with easy-to-use win chances and contender classifications for every runner plus analysis of the Best Bet, Live Longshot, and Wagering Suggestions for every race.
Buy NowADVERTISEMENT