EPSOM hero Harzand remains an intended runner in this afternoon’s Irish Derby after satisfying trainer Dermot Weld in a Curragh workout yesterday morning.
The Sea The Stars colt survived a late scare after spreading a plate, to claim Epsom Derby glory and is set to follow the likes of Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014) by becoming a dual Derby winner.
“All being well the horse will run,” said Weld. “He’s been out this morning and we’re satisfied with him.”
Concerns had been expressed about the race coming too soon for his stable star, due to the huge performance he put in at Epsom three weeks ago.
“It’s been well documented that I’d have preferred another week for him, but the intention is to run,” said Weld.
“What he is, is very tough and courageous, which is why we are even talking about running him. I’m satisfied he is perfectly sound. But, he’s a horse who’ll meet you halfway, he’ll go more than halfway to meet you in fact and that’s the big plus. The Derby is the Derby and these three-year-olds tend to improve at this time of year which is why it is so exciting. People say the three-year-olds are sub-standard in the spring, but they haven’t been judged by then, they are improving horses.”
Following the defection of Epsom runner-up US Army Ranger due to an unsatisfactory scope, Aidan O’Brien’s main hope of landing a 12th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is Idaho.
The son of Galileo made the frame in the Ballysax and Derrinstown, and was beaten a shade under three lengths into third place behind Harzand in the Investec Derby on the Downs.
“You would have to say Idaho has progressed very well, and I’m very happy with him since,” said O’Brien.
‘‘Epsom was on the soft side this year, more so than I have seen it for a long time. I was very impressed with Harzand. We were delighted for the connections of the winner. He is a very good horse.”
Jim Bolger has won the Irish Derby twice and fires a twin assault in pursuit of the hat-trick. Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Moonlight Magic bids to bounce back from a disappointing display at Epsom, while Stellar Mass has won his last two starts, albeit at a lower level.
“Moonlight Magic probably didn’t act on the track (at Epsom) and he seems to be in good form,” said Bolger.
“I know he has to redeem himself somewhat, but I’d be optimistic that it will go much better for him on Saturday. He’s in good shape. Stellar Mass runs as well and I’d be hoping he too will give a good account of himself.”
O’Brien is confident Peace Envoy is hardy enough to cope with his swift return to action in the Group Two Railway Stakes. O’Brien has saddled 12 previous winners of this prestigious juvenile contest, with Rock Of Gibraltar (2001), George Washington (2005) and Holy Roman Emperor (2006) among those successful.
Peace Envoy certainly looked the part on his Dundalk debut in early April and while he suffered a short-priced defeat on his second start at the Curragh, he bounced back with victory in last month’s Rochestown Stakes at Leopardstown before finishing fourth in the Norfolk Stakes at Ascot.
O’Brien said: “Peace Envoy is the toughest and hardiest (of juveniles) to go back after Ascot.”
‘‘He handles a dig in the ground and he ran well in the Norfolk, but we probably ran him a little bit short over five furlongs. He was fairly flat out all the way but he kept going and didn’t stop."
O’Brien also saddles his Leopardstown maiden winner War Decree. Ger Lyons is double-handed, with dual scorer King Electric, who beat Peace Envoy at the Curragh, joined by Navan winner Medicine Jack.
Michael O’Callaghan is looking forward to saddling Mirdif, who was fourth on his Fairyhouse debut before getting off the mark in good style at Leopardstown.
