Smullen sweet on Swallow’s chances
Dermot Weld’s brilliant winner of the Irish Derby faces a possible clash with Godolphin’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner Doyen, French raider Bago and 10-furlong specialist Rakti on September 11.
“He deserved to win a race like the Irish Derby. We thought that he might win a Guineas but he obviously needed a little extra distance,” said Smullen.
“His next race will be the Irish Champion Stakes and that will be quite difficult taking on the older horses, but he has to have every chance.”
The Irish Derby was the first time the Daylami colt had tackled a mile and a half, having taken in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, finishing fourth and third respectively.
His end of season target is to be over the longer distance, though, as Weld tries for a first win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 3.
“I think that the Arc has always been the plan and that is the race that the boss wants to win, but to take in the Irish Champion Stakes along the way wouldn’t be bad,” the rider added.
“If he got the mile and a half at the Curragh he will get the mile and a half anywhere. There is no doubt about that anymore but it was a case of not knowing until you try.
“We had to ride the Irish Derby with that doubt in our mind but, as everybody saw, he got it really well and we’ll never have any doubts about him getting the mile and a half ever again.”
