Curragh buzz is all about Dee Ex Bee
It Is Derby day on both sides of the Irish sea today with the Curragh staging an enthralling renewal of the Irish Classic and Newcastle hosting the Pitmen’s version.
Having won this afternoon’s Curragh feature a record-breaking 12 times, Aidan O’Brien again looks to have a stranglehold with Derby-fourth saxon Warrior odds-on to repeat his heroics in the 2,000 Guineas.
Events did not go to plan at Epsom for saxon Warrior as he stumbled leaving the stalls and finished four lengths adrift of winner Masar.
He has been priced up as if that race did not happen and, while he may well bounce back, his stamina remains a question mark at 12 furlongs.
In contrast, DEE EX BEE (Curragh, 5.15) ran through the line strongly at Epsom, suggesting this afternoon’s stiff track should be perfect.
Connections were happy to pay €100,000 to supplement their Farhh colt and he should find today’s examination ideal.
If there was to be an upset outside of the leading protagonists then Platinum Warrior or Latrobe could provide it. the duo were involved in the finish of a 10-furlong Group three here in May and both look likely to find further improvement for a step up in trip.
Platinum Warrior looks a shade quirky, but had previously finished fourth in the Derrinstown Derby trial so may not have to improve hugely to make the frame, while Latrobe shed his maiden tag easily last time and looks a horse to keep onside.
Newcastle stage their feature races before France and Argentina meet in the World Cup and
ISLAND BRAVE (Newcastle, nap, 2.05) could steal the headlines in the Northumberland Plate.
the selection was a shade fortunate to land a valuable Gosforth Park handicap on Good Friday in the stewards’ room, but he progressed nicely during the winter. His yard struck at the track on thursday with a handicapper in the same colours and he looks a little over priced this morning.