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Oliver bidding for a first Ulster Derby

Sat 22nd Jun 2024, 09:42

Gibbs Island (right) was narrowly beaten at Navan earlier this monthGibbs Island (right) was narrowly beaten at Navan earlier this month
© Photo Healy Racing

Andy Oliver saddles two of the nine declared for the BoyleSports Ulster Derby at Down Royal this afternoon, as he bids to win this long standing contest for the first time.

The Co Tyrone handler is represented by Ozark Daze and Gibbs Island with the latter narrowly beaten on recent starts at Navan and Naas respectively.

Aidan O'Brien is also double-handed through Ocean Of Dreams and Psalm while top-weight Glor Tire is sure to have plenty of supporters as she bids to win for a fifth time this season.

"It looks an open race and you could make a case for any of them. It's a time of the year when three-year-olds are improving and it looks a tightly knit handicap," Oliver commented.

"Both of mine are in good form and we expect Ozark Daze to improve for the step up in trip.

"He's had three runs in maidens this year and has run into very good ones.

"Gibbs Island is a full brother to Live Your Dream who won valuable handicaps over an extended trip.

"They both like a good sound surface."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee