Velocity speeds Bolger towards Derby hat-trick

THE progressive Change Of Velocity might be capable of defying the handicapper in the €100,000 Magners Ulster Derby in Down Royal today.

The Teofilo colt must cope with a 12lb rise in the ratings for his recent maiden success in Gowran

Park, which seems harsh. But he looks an improver.

And he’s expected to kick on again for the step-up to a mile and a half to give his trainer Jim

Bolger, right, a hat-trick in this valuable handicap now confined to three-yearolds, a contest Coolcullen has won with

Stellar Mass in

2016 and Clongowes last year.

Change Of Velocity raced just twice as a twoyear-old, finishing fifth in maidens won by Ballydoyle colts

The Pentagon (at the Curragh) and Delano Roosevelt (Leopardstown).

But he didn’t race after July last year and finished third to Khalaab on his three-year-old debut at Leopardstown, on heavy ground, in April. He then finished sixth in the Navan maiden won by Coeur Sublime, from which a number of subsequent winners have emerged and in which he finished two lengths in front of SHEBERGHAN,

Dermot Weld’s runner today, which went on to win his maiden in Sligo and is 7lb better off with the selection this time.

Change Of Velocity stepped-up significantly at Gowran Park last time when staying on strongly to lower the colours of Conclusion (which opened his account at Limerick last weekend) in a maiden over nine and a half furlongs.

The mount of Kevin Manning, Change Of Velocity appreciated the fast ground that day and only hit top gear in the closing stages, which suggests he’ll be even more effective over today’s longer trip.

He looks a late developer and is a hopeful choice to defy the 12lb hike he received for his maiden success.

In a tough race, Joseph O’brien’s REMMY D, successful at the Curragh last time (went up 8lb.) is built like a tank and is open to further improvement And, in receipt of 14lb. from the top-weight, he’s a definite danger.