A big welcome to my first preview on the site in a few days. This Saturday I’ll be turning my attention to the Curragh and in particular, the Irish Derby which is set to take place at 7.15. In this preview, I’ll be sharing who I’ve had a bet on in the race and a look at some of the other main contenders in this year’s renewal of the Irish Classic. I’ll also have some punts on-site for some of the other races on the card prior to the feature.
Enjoy!
Sovereign won the 2019 Irish Derby at 33/1 for Aidan O’Brien.
It will come as no surprise to many that Aidan O’Brien has a whole host of contenders in the race including the market leader in Santiago. Set to be ridden by Seamie Heffernan this progressive juvenile tops the bill at a general 11/4 following his impressive victory in the Group 2 Queens Vase earlier this month at Royal Ascot. It’s likely that there is a lot more to come from him and he certainly sets the standard off the back of that Ascot success and looks the one they have to beat. O’Brien is also responsible for the second favourite in the race which comes in the form of Arthur’s Kingdom who’s trading at a general 5/1. Set to be ridden by Wayne Lordan on this occasion, Arthur’s Kingdom was last seen finishing second behind Piledriver in the Group 2 King Edward VI Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier this month, very solid form and another key contender for Team Ballydoyle. Aidan is also set to run Dawn Patrol (14/1), Iberia (14/1), Tiger Moth (16/1), and Order Of Australia (33/1).
I’ve had a couple of each way punts in the race and the first of these comes in the form of Joseph O’Brien’s unbeaten colt CROSSFIREHURRICANE, who can be found at a best price of 13/2. As previously stated he arrives here boasting a perfect record of four straight victories, which culminated with an impressive victory here in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes earlier this month. He’s every chance of staying this trip after looking so impressive the last day when getting a proper galop and I think he has to be considered one of the main players in the race. The other horse I’ve had an each-way play in is Jim Bolger’s FISCAL RULES who’s not far behind the former in the betting at a general 8/1. He finished second to the very smart Wichita on debut and was pitched straight into the 2000 Guineas on the back of that, where he went onto finish a very eye-catching staying on fifth. That was an impressive effort in such a tough race when only having the one start prior and he looks to be a smart customer who could showcase that here.
Everything Racing 