Farley poised to blitz rivals

Owen McKenna and Conor Fahy could be the trainers to follow when the first round of the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby continues at Shelbourne tonight.

McKenna will turn out two very strong favourites in the form of Farley Blitz and Thurlesbeg Joker and they should complete a short priced double. Farley Blitz has the English Oaks winner Shaws Dilemma among his rivals in Heat 10 but this lassie is only returning from a lay-off and may need the outing. Joey Jojo Junior could cut out the running but Farley should be too strong.

Similarly with Thurlesbeg Joker in Heat 16 where last year's Derby finalist Belvedere Bran and Tipperary Cup finalist Forest Rover are likely to pose the major threats. Again Joker should be too strong when the chips are down in the second half of the race.