O’Brien backs Warrior for Derby triumph

AIDAN O’BRIEN is convinced Saxon Warrior has come on from ‘the rough and tough’ of Epsom and is a deserving Ballydoyle spearhead for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on June 30.

‘Epsom was the first time for him to step beyond a mile but we were very happy that he kept coming at the end,’ said O’Brien.

‘Whether that was courage that made him keep going we’ll find out at the Curragh, but we always thought last year that he would be a middle distance horse,’ added O’Brien (right), who is seeking his 13th Irish Derby success with his Epsom Derby fourth.

‘He never ran on a track like Epsom before and when he turned to come down the hill he was a little bit at sea. But he has come out of the race well and we are looking forward to the Curragh. He is still only a baby horse.’

Epsom Derby runner-up, Dee Ex Bee is set to make the journey across for two-time Irish Classic-winning trainer Mark Johnston, while local trainer Mick Halford is dreaming of a first Irish Derby winner Platinum Warrior, just his second runner in the race.

‘He has got a good profile, he is a horse going forward and we think the step up in trip could bring about more improvement. It’s all about how his is on the day, he loves the track and he’s entitled to be there,’ said Halford of his Gallinule Stakes winner.

Meanwhile, Naas racecourse have resolved their issue with the bend between the three and four furlong marker on the round track.

The next meeting at Kildare track takes place next Monday.