Rule in favour of Judicial

Despite weeks of dominance, the Irish will have only one representative in the williamhill.com English Derby decider at Wimbledon this evening following last weekend’s semi-final carnage.

The sole survivor is Judicial Ruling, who bids to give both Michael O’Donovan and Pat Daly their second Derby winner following the Irish Derby success of Judicial Pride in 2000.

It’s well documented that Judicial Ruling has been under an cloud recently, but his semi-final display suggests he can still play a big part.

Amongst his rivals is defending champion Taylors Sky, who is yet to repeat his 2011 form, but seems to be improving with each outing.

However, Judicial Ruling has the ability to lead early and he can race away to victory, at the expense of Coolavanny Bert.

At Shelbourne Park the opening round of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks draws to a conclusion.

Outright favourite Airforce Diva lines out in Heat 13 where her task is far from straightforward. Now a middle seed, she has been handed a tricky stripes draw, while the presence of Limerick Oaks winner Tyra Cool and the talented pair of Montblanc and Killinan Dancer makes like difficult.

Priceless Spark, in Heat 8, and Cabra Millie, in Heat 9, can justify favouritism in their respective contests.

Recent Puppy Oaks winner Borna Gem is bidding to follow in the footsteps of both Dalcash Dvinsky and Droopys Twirl by going on to win the all-aged Oaks, and she takes her place in Heat 10 where College Maybe is a worthy adversary. Their clash is one of the highlights of the evening.