Delfino can pass Derby trial

Droopys Delfino can earn a place in the upcoming Irish Derby by winning the featured Ladbrokes.com Derby Trial Stake.

Johnny Linehan’s dog is lightly raced but progressive and he was a smart winner on his debut over the 550 yards trip just last weekend, winning in 30.12.

Drawn on the rails this time, he looks set to turn close to the pace and his stamina can see him to the front in plenty of time to secure a third career victory. Fleetwood Jewel can give the selection most to do.

Harbour Town can complete a five-timer in the second semi-final of the Curraheen S1-S3. Brendan McCarthy and Tim Garde’s lightly raced tracker began his winning spree in Youghal back at the end of May and he has impressed with each run since.

A fine injection of pace on the approach to the turn saw him clear in the previous round and he looks capable of leading around again. There’s no reason to expect that his progress has plateaued and he can score at the expense of Knocktoosh Park, who was unlucky in running last week.

Castlelyons Cofi looks drawn for a big run in the ninth race. Ned and Denis Fitzgerald’s pup is a very promising sort and he is easily forgiven his recent defeat here. A repeat of the form he showed on May 5, when he posted 28.60 off a very smart 3.37 opening split, should be good enough. Rathglass Gold can fill the frame.

The final of the Curraheen A4 550 looks wide open but it may be worth taking a chance on Splendid Wish. Niamh McCarthy’s bitch ran well on her comeback recently and if showing the benefit of that run, she should go close. Vieria Delta has a tricky draw but cannot be dismissed.