Ballydoyle keeps the punters guessing

WE have learned one thing for sure of late – riding arrangements for Ballydoyle-trained horses have to be treated with more than a hint of caution.

Johnny Murtagh may be stable jockey to Ballydoyle-Coolmore, but recent events have taught us you should never take it as read he will be on the horse most fancied from that quarter.

There are several examples of late which can be cited, a couple of them as recently as last weekend. Take the Curragh on Sunday and the Group 2 Keeneland Debutante Stakes. Aidan O’Brien’s Together, partnered by Murtagh, looked the clear form choice, having beaten Laughing Lashes an easy length at Leopardstown previously.