Irish Derby: Filly features among Curragh Classic 3 to follow
Published:
Pleascach (8/1) and Qualify (7/1) will both attempt to become the first filly to win the Irish Derby since Balachine did so for the then-fledgling Godolphin operation back in 1994.
Of the pair the latter looks one of the most likely to serve it up to 4/6 favourite Jack Hobbs, who is also seeking to become the first to emulate the 1994 winner since by claiming the laurels as a British-trained runner.
The race’s recent history is littered with odds-on favourites, with four in the last six runnings and they tend to hit the back of the net, with only Ruler Of The World failing to justify his status.
Having found only his now-125-rated stablemate Golden Horn too good in his career to date, Jack Hobbs certainly looks the part.
Jockey William Buick has suggested that the Curragh will suit his mount more than the notoriously tricky Epsom Downs did too.
If improvement were not already expected on the grounds of this being only the Godolphin colt’s fifth run, the Buick’s words would surely promise it.
Officially rated 119 after his second place in the Derby, Jack Hobbs is nonetheless just 5lbs clear of Classic-winning fillies Qualify and Pleascach and French Derby-second Highland Reel.
The former makes plenty of appeal as an each-way wager given her 3lbs allowance will mean she’s effectively just 2lbs wrong with the John Gosden beast at the weights.
Moreover, she is a proven Classic winner at 1m4, unlike the other two 114-rated entrants and her trainer has won seven of the last eight renewals.
Of the remaining contestants Dermot Weld’s thrice-raced and yet to be beaten colt Radanpour looks an fascinating 20/1 shot, but his trainer has already stated that he won’t run unless the ground eases from its current good-to-firm state.
In his place, 6/1 shot Storm The Stars makes our three to follow, with his season looking like the archetypal upward curve of the St Leger winner.
Third in the Derby, his strong staying credentials can see him claim a place.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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