WELD PINS FAITH IN HARZAND

Epsom winner can replicate champion form at Curragh

EPSOM hero Harzand is all set to bid for a Classic double in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this evening. The Sea The Stars colt survived a late scare after spreading a plate to claim Investec Derby glory and is favourite to emulate the likes of Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014) by becoming a dual Derby winner.

He satisfied trainer Dermot Weld in a workout yesterday morning, after which the master of Rosewell House said: ‘All being well the horse will run. He’s been out and we’re satisfied with him.’

Weld has expressed concerns 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, 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 exciting,’ added Weld (right).

Harzand provided Weld and Pat Smullen with their first Derby success and the multiple champion jockey believes the young colt is open to further improvement.

Smullen said: ‘He was a big immature two-year-old that took a bit of time and he started off in his maiden at Gowran in September. He ran very green, and typical of the boss he was very patient and put him away.

‘His work was very good in the spring and any horse that wins a maiden in Ireland by 13 lengths has to be very good.

‘He progressed from there to Leopardstown and again he improved a lot from there to Epsom, that’s typical of His Highness’ (Aga Khan) horses, they all keep on improving and we hope he still is.’

Weld also saddles Ebediyin, who was fifth in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot last week and looks likely to adopt a pacesetting role.

Following the defection of Epsom runner-up US Army Ranger due to an unsatisfactory scope, trainer Aidan O’Brien’s main hope of landing a 12th Irish Derby is Idaho, who was beaten a shade under three lengths into third place on the Downs.

‘You would have to say Idaho 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. He’s a very strong stayer, and a big, honest horse that puts his head out and gallops all the way to the line. We were delighted for Dermot, Pat and His Highness the Aga Khan

and their whole operation.

‘His Highness puts a lot into the sport and Dermot and Pat are very professional, proper people.

Obviously we try hard to win every race but we know that can’t be the way and at Epsom we were delighted for the connections of the winner. He is a very good horse.’

O’Brien feels that while the track can play a big part in the result at Epsom, the Curragh gives a true reflection of a horse’s genuine ability.

He said: ‘The Curragh suits every horse. It’s a big, galloping straightforward track.

‘There is nowhere to hide, and I don’t remember many horses not handling the Curragh. Obviously Epsom can be tricky.

‘It’s a switch-back, up and down. It can be tricky and tactical, whereas the Curragh is usually very straightforward.’

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.’ The nine-strong field is completed by Ed Dunlop’s Red Verdon, the only British-trained contender. The American-bred chestnut was far from disgraced in finishing sixth after being supplemented for Epsom and connections have stumped up the cash to add him to the Irish Derby as well.