Irish Derby Preview: Saxon Warrior odds-on to bounce back with win
Published:
Saxon Warrior is the odds-on favourite to bounce back from his disappointment in the Epsom Derby with success in the Irish equivalent on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien’s star had everything go against him in Surrey earlier this month and was eventually beaten into fourth having started the race as the jolly at 4/5.
That defeat brought an end to the three-year-old’s unbeaten start to his career. And it also extended the run of losing favourites in British and Irish Classics this season to six.
Better is expected at the Curragh, where the son of Deep Impact will tackle the 1m4f distance for the second time.
He’s the current 1/2 favourite for the race. And providing he gets a kind draw and a clean run in the closing stages, that doesn’t appear to be an altogether over-zealous price.
His main competition looks set to be from Mark Johnston’s Dee Ex Bee.
The Godolphin colt outran his odds in a big way in the Derby, eventually finishing second by 1½l at 20/1.
Our traders give him more of a chance at the Curragh and have him pegged at 4/1 to become just the fourth non-O’Brien winner of the race since 2005.
A six-point gap then follows to interesting pair Kew Gardens and Old Persian at 10/1.
The latter of the duo took the step up to 1m4f in his stride last week by landing the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot ahead of O’Brien trio Rostropovich, Giuseppe Garibaldi and Delano Roosevelt.
Charlie Appleby is a man in-form. And after racking up big wins in the Derby, King’s Stand Stakes and Breeders’ Cup over the last 12 months, he’ll fancy his chances again here.
Kew Gardens finished 27l behind Masar in the Epsom Classic but did bounce back in an easier contest at Royal Ascot last week. It would be a huge surprise if the son of Galileo came out on top here.
Platinum Warrior and Delano Roosevelt follow at the slightly longer price of 14/1.
Both have ground to make up on the market leaders, although the former could be an each-way player after a positive run in a Group 3 at the Curragh.
Michael Halford’s raider hit the line hard in that one and looks capable of staying the extended trip on ideal ground in the Derby.
Latrobe finished 2l behind him in the Gallinule Stakes and is the pick of the long-odds outsiders at 33/1.
Ladbrokes Latest Betting:
Irish Derby
Saxon Warrior – 1/2
Dee Ex Bee – 4/1
Old Persian – 10/1
Kew Gardens – 10/1
Platinum Warrior – 14/1
Delano Roosevelt – 14/1
The Pentagon – 20/1
Knight To Behold – 20/1
Rostropovich – 25/1
Bandua – 25/1
Latrobe – 33/1
Nelson – 33/1
Click here for the latest Irish Derby odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
