Aiden O’Brien looks set to win his third Irish Derby and is
represented by six of 11 runners at the Curragh. High Chaparral is the
one to beat, following main rival Act One’s retirement. He was an
impressive winner of the Epsom Derby when defeating stablemate Hawk
Wing. High Chaparral is unbeaten this year and looks likely to continue
his winning streak. He bids to maintain his sire’s amazing record in
this race. Sadler’s Wells has had five Irish Derby winners, and has
had three of the last four winners of this race.
O’Brien’s
biggest threat comes from Sir Michael Stoute. Stoute is represented by
up and coming Theatrical colt, Balakheri. He is aiming to follow the
route of fellow Stoute runner, Shareef Dancer, by winning the King Edward
VII Stakes and then the Irish Derby. Balakheri was most impressive when
easily winning at Royal Ascot and is High Chaparral’s main rival.
Stoute
is also represented by the beautifully bred Princely Venture. The son of
Stoute trained Entrepreneur and classic winner Sun Princess is lightly
raced but needs to improve to challenge here.
Aiden
O’Brien has a strong back up team headed by Hawk Wing, who is believed
to be heading towards the Eclipse Stakes instead. Should the Woodman
colt run, he should finish in the first three, but has ground to find on
High Chaparral.
The
powerful Ballydoyle stables are also represented by the improving Danzig
colt, Della Francesca. The colt was a good winner of the Gallinule
Stakes on his last start, but on known form looks held by his
stablemates. O’Brien also has the Group 1 winners, Ballingarry and
Sholokhov, both of whom need to improve on current form. His last runner
is Roar of the Tiger, a full brother to the Iron Horse, Giant’s Causeway. He looks
outclassed and may end up setting the pace for High Chaparral.
Dermot
Weld has two runners in the field, In Time’s Eye and Jazz Beat. In
Time’s Eye is still a maiden but ran a close second to High Chaparral
in the Derby Trial last month and should fight out the finish. Jazz Beat
needs to improve but his pedigree suggests he will improve over the
further distance.
SELECTION:
1.
High Chaparral
2.
Balakheri
3.
In Time’s Eye