Earlswood bids for another Group 3 in Curragh Irish Derby fourth Earlswood returns to action this evening in the Group 3 Fitzdares Royal Whip Stakes over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh. Trainer Johnny Murtagh has given a positive update on the Pivotal colt after his exploits behind Hurricane Lane in that Classic back in June. "He had a nice break after the Derby. It’s an ideal starting spot for him and he’s going well. I think a mile and a quarter is a good trip for him," he said. “We thought he was going to stay well at the start of the year but a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half is good for him. “This is the starting point for the rest of the year for him. He’s in good shape and he’s ready to go. “He got through soft ground well in the spring so he won’t mind that.” On his penultimate start, Earlswood landed the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes over course and distance in May.
