The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival starts this evening and runs through to Sunday providing three days of non-stop action for connoisseurs of the flat.
It’s also a huge weekend for socialites and fashionistas, as glamour and glitz descend on the Kildare venue.
This year marks 160 years of the Irish Derby.
The all-conquering Ballydoyle operation seek to complete an unprecedented French, Epsom and Irish Derby treble.
Epsom Derby hero Lambourn could face nine opponents as he attempts to follow up in Sunday’s Derby.
The son of Australia gave Aidan O’Brien his eleventh victory in the Epsom classic.
He looks to emulate his sire by achieving dual Derby success.
He could renew rivalry with the second and third from Epsom, Charlie Johnston’s Lazy Griff and Joseph O’Brien’s Tennessee Stud.
Lazy Griff will require rain if he is to run.
Green Impact, a smart juvenile won at Leopardstown recently, twelve furlongs represents unknown territory for him.
Fortuenville, ridden by R. James, trained by Anne Marie Ryan, owned by the Monbeg Partnership, wins the third race at the Muskerry Point to Point in Dawstown at odds of 12/1.
Ralph Beckett’s Dante Stakes winner Pride Of Arras flopped at Epsom, but the Dante form hasn’t worked out.
Lambourn’s stable companions Puppet Master, Serious Contender, Thrice and Shackleton complete Sunday’s line up.
Lambourn is the 4/5 favourite to become the twentieth Epsom winner to follow up at the Curragh.
Lambourn is a tough uncomplicated horse who stays really well, he’d be suited by some rain before Sunday.
If he replicates his dominant display at Epsom from the front, he’ll be difficult to peg back.
Twelve furlongs around here is a proper test for a three year old.
Lambourn is blessed with stamina in abundance and he can confirm Epsom form.
Ryan Moore takes over from Cork jockey Wayne Lordan, who is likely to partner Puppet Master.
Tonight’s opener might be the best maiden run all weekend at the Curragh.
It looks a dead match.
Puerto Rico was an eye-catcher in fourth to stable companion Flushing Meadow.
Ger Lyons’ Learntodiscover was supported when third after a tardy start to Brussels.
The market will be sacrosanct.
Ger Lyons’ Game Point sets a high standard with a rating of 88 in the ten furlong maiden tonight.
He’s been unfortunate to draw stall 17.
Colin Keane will hope to tack across from his wide berth.
Tswalu, Our Friend Mouse and Falls Of Acharn are his only rivals of note.
WEEKEND WAGERS:
Friday:
Doncaster: 2.20pm:
FAVORITE MEMORY (Nap) Ran well from a poor draw when hampered behind a Godolphin hotpot at Kempton. Beckett’s yard has hit form and this looks a golden opportunity.
Curragh: 4.50pm:
Dead match here PUERTO RICO versus LEARNTODISCOVER. The exchanges will be pivotal near the off .
Newmarket: 5.40pm:
SECRET OATH ran well in second despite a slow start at Nottingham behind a smart Karl Burke filly who ran well in Royal Ascot. She only has Mood Queen to beat.
Sunday:
Curragh: 4.10pm:
LAMBOURN can make his stamina count and follow up his Epsom victory.