O’Brien ace Cliffs ready to hit the heights with Derby triumph
his Cork debut last October, the son of Galileo took a huge step forward to lift a Leopardstown maiden by five and a half lengths two weeks later.
There was a strong word that Cliffs Of Moher would prove O’Brien’s No 1 Derby contender when he appeared at Chester for the Dee Stakes last month.
Sent off the 4-5 favourite for the 10-furlong event, Moore’s mount had to be chivvied into the bridle on the run to the final turn but shot clear inside the last furlong to beat Bay Of Poets by a length and a half.
O’Brien was adamant that my selection was barely ready to make his return to the fray on the Roodee, and Cliffs Of Moher, who should thrive for the extra quarter mile here, is reported to have bloomed since.
He has what it takes to give the master of Ballydoyle, also represented by Capri, Douglas Macarthur, The Anvil, Venice Beach and Wings Of Eagles, a sixth Derby triumph — and Moore a third.
Cracksman disputes favouritism with Cliffs Of Moher, but he looked ill at ease on the track when winning Epsom’s Derby Trial in April and must progress to stay ahead of subsequent Dante winner Permian.
Eminent, sixth in the 2,000 Guineas, should improve for a crack at 12 furlongs, while Best Solution is the pick of Godolphin’s squad, completed by Dubai Thunder and Benbatl.
Those seeking an each-way play should back Rekindling, unsuited by York’s rain-softened surface in the Dante but likely to find the prevailing conditions more to his liking.