Derby entry list hits the ton

With still two days to go before the deadline, the entry list for the Paddypower.com Irish Derby had reached 100 and the signs are that the final number will be very close to the ideal number of 144.

Many of the leading fancies were confirmed yesterday, the likes of the Champion Stakes first two Fatboyz Nodrog and Shaneboy Lee as well as the highly regarded College Causeway. Others entered were English Derby winner Kinda Ready and the Finnish challenger Eijas Choice.

The participation of Eijas Choice is a remarkable story. The recent Finnish Championship winner is making his way from Finland this week by boat but it has been a far from ideal trip and the latest news is that the dog will arrive in Ireland tomorrow.