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Heffernan looking forward to Fame ride

Fri 5th Jun 2009, 16:10

Seamie Heffernan has yet to be placed in the Investec Derby at Epsom from three attempts but is sure he can put that right on Fame And Glory on Saturday.

The jockey won the key Derrinstown Stud Trial at Leopardstown on the son of Montjeu, and keeps the ride on the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt as stable jockey Johnny Murtagh has opted for Rip Van Winkle from Ballydoyle's six runners.

"The preparation seems to have gone well and I'm looking forward to it," said Heffernan.

"He won the Derrinstown impressively on good ground and travelled very well. He's a very easy ride and makes it easy for you to like him.

"I'm very happy with what I'm riding but I'd have been happy whichever one of Aidan's six I'd have got on. Obviously I've ridden him and won on him and he's unbeaten, so that has to be huge plus.

"I've won the Derrinstown four times and of the other three, two have won the Derby (Galileo and High Chaparral) and the other was second in it (Dylan Thomas).

"All of Aidan's runners have done well in their Derby trials and have all come home sound and been doing their half-speeds nicely since. I just hope I'm on the one that wins it.

"It had to be hard for Johnny but I'm sure he hopes that whatever wins the race will be from Ballydoyle.

"I've won the Irish Derby twice on the second string and if Johnny doesn't win tomorrow, he'll probably be on it the next day anyway.

"Epsom is an unusual course. My horse has done all his racing so far on level tracks. If they don't act on it they don't show their true potential.

"I've only had three rides in the Derby and finished sixth twice and down the field once. This is my best chance by far and I'm ready for it this year."