O’Brien not rushing Roderic O’Connor Derby decision
Published:Aidan O’Brien intends to take another week before deciding if Roderic O’Connor or any of the other seven horses he has entered for the Derby do run at Epsom.
Roderic O’Connor enhanced his Derby credentials with victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas, leading from the stalls under O’Brien’s son Joseph before beating Dubawi Gold.
The way the horse stayed on to the line leads to the opinion that he would see out the 1m4f of the Derby, while also indicating that he has rediscovered his better form, following his disappointing run behind Frankel in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Roderic O’Connor’s Curragh victory has seen him positioned at 20/1 in the Derby odds, but this is not the only option open to the three-year-old and O’Brien wants to think over all of the possibilities before making a final decision.
He said: “The plan was either to go to France or Epsom after the Irish Guineas if the form came back. That’s going to be discussed a lot and he’s a very strong possible for either.”
However, the Epsom betting suggests that Roderic O’Connor may not be O’Brien’s leading hope in the Derby, with Seville and Recital both positioned at the head of the market.
The pair are joint second favourites at 7/1 behind 6/4 market leader Carlton House and both head to the Derby with good prospects.
Chester Vase winner Treasure Beach is another with each-way claims at 25/1, as does 20/1 chance Memphis Tennessee following his good second behind Recital in the Leopardstown Derby Trial earlier this month.
Master Of Hounds, Regent Street and Apache make up O’Brien’s octet, but he wants them all to complete some more work at home before deciding which will head to Epsom.
A £30 stake on Roderic O’Connor winning the Derby would return £600. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
