The Aga Khan holds a very strong hand with both Dalakhani and Alamshar as he bids to win the Budweiser sponsored Irish Derby for the fifth time, and the French-trained Dalakhani is confidently expected to justify favouritism, writes Alan Magee.
The son of Darshaan really impressed when slaughtering his rivals in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Longchamp earlier this month, and a large crowd at the Curragh can again look forward to some extravagant celebrations from young Belgian rider Christophe Soumillon.
Alamshar is a fine ´second string´ to the Aga Khan´s bow following his staying on third to Kris Kin in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom. The John Oxx-trained colt has reportedly pleased connections since that effort, and may be able to overturn a narrow margin with Epsom runner-up The Great Gatsby.
The Great Gatsby heads a six-strong challenge by Aidan O´Brien as the Ballydoyle handler bids to land this 1.3 million euro event for the third successive time. Powerscourt makes his seasonal debut here and, having worked well after racing at the Curragh earlier this month, could go well at an each-way price.
Brian Boru is on a recovery mission having disappointed when O´Brien´s number one contender at Epsom, while Leopardstown maiden winner Handel is open to more improvement. The ten-runner line-up does have a very unbalanced look however being made up by the O´Brien six, three Aga Khan horses plus the Jim Bolger-trained Napper Tandy. This is the first time since 1976 that no British-trained horse has lined up for the Irish Derby.
The Anheuser Busch Railway Stakes is the main supporting race and, with O´Brien having saddled the last four winners of this juvenile test, his two runners here command the greatest of respect. Antonius Pius is difficult to assess having easily won a three-runner Gowran maiden, while Tipperary scorer Devil Moon should also go well.
Alan Magee
