Blackmore warms up for Irish Derby bid with Fairyhouse victory
RACHAEL BLACKMORE marked the announcement that she would ride in tomorrow’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby aboard King Of The Throne with a winner at Fairyhouse yesterday.
Blackmore, who won in the first division of the Meath Handicap on the Karl Thorton-trained Ormo yesterday, has been snapped up by Emmet Mullins, nephew of champion trainer Willie, for the Derby outsider.
The pair teamed up last week to win the Listed Martin Moloney Stakes with Oriental Eagle at Limerick. Although, Mullins himself will be absent this weekend, having broken Covid-19 protocols earlier this month.
“I can’t believe it really,” said Blackmore (pictured) on Racing TV of her upcoming Irish Derby debut. “It’s pretty cool to be riding in that race. Fair play to Emmet for giving me to opportunity to ride in it. It’s a big deal for him as well, having his first runner in the race. It’s very exciting and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien fields six in tomorrow’s Derby, headed by last week’s Queen’s Vase winner Santiago.
The Authorized colt was a comfortable winner over a mile and six furlongs, but he drops back in trip to 12 furlongs just eight days later in search of Classic glory. Arthur’s Kingdom, who finished second in the King Edward VII Stakes, also makes a swift return to action with Derrinstown Trial third Iberia also taking his chance.
Tiger Moth, Dawn Patrol and Order Of Australia, who filled the first three places in a Leopardstown maiden at the start of the month, also line up.
The Ballydoyle maestro has a very strong hand in tomorrow’s big race but he can get on the board tonight with Love Bracelet (6.45).
An extremely well-bred three-yearold, she hasn’t quiet reached the heights her bloodline suggested she would, but runs in handicap company for the first time in the Hanlon Concrete Handicap.
It looks a winnable opportunity for the daughter of War Front, who was only a few lengths off Group One winner Albigna last season.
In the final race on the card, Willie Mullins saddles a pair of interesting contenders in the form of Sayo and Foveros (7.45).
The latter just gets the nod despite Sayo highlighting his talent with an impressive chasing success at Galway last year. Foveros was regarded highly enough to run in Grade One novice hurdles last season and has the very capable Joey Sheridan in the saddle.
A more speculative bet is Mulgrave (4.45) at a monster price earlier on the card. It’s a hot little heat but this lad is well related and can outrun his price.
The Grade Three Grimes Hurdle is the feature at Tipperary and it’s difficult to see past the obvious claims of Petit Mouchoir (1.30).