The Great Gatsby can put one over on Dalakhani
There’s no doubt the French invader is going to be a tough nut to crack, particularly now that the rain has arrived. That is very much in his favour, but I would prefer to support The Great Gatsby each-way, rather than lump on Dalakhani at cramped odds.
The selection has clearly made plenty improvement from two to three. He looked one of the nicest juveniles in Ballydoyle in the early part of last season, but then lost his way as the campaign progressed.
He has, however, returned with a vengeance to produce two decent efforts and, at worst, should give us a big run.
The Great Gatsby made an excellent start when going down by a head to Alamshar in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.
He certainly built on that with a fine performance in the Epsom Derby. He made a lot of the running, shot clear over a furlong out, before wilting late and going down by a length to Kris Kin.
He was a place and a short head in front of Alamshar and can confirm that form. Alamshar meanwhile is reported only 50-50 to run in any case, with his trainer, John Oxx, worried about all the rain that has fallen on the Curragh. “He came out of Epsom very well and he’s in good form, good health and good condition,” Oxx said yesterday.
“We have a couple of questions marks over him now, though, as the rain we have had today was more then we expected and, depending on how much more we get, the question of the ground could be up in the air.
“He’s got a little back injury which he’s having intensive physio on, but he hasn’t missed any work, so there’s a question there to be resolved.”
Oxx is planning to leave a decision on the colt’s participation in the race until Sunday morning. “If he were to run his back would have to be right. We could take a chance on the ground, but we can’t if his back is not right,” he added.
It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise in the world should Dalakhani treat this opposition with the same contempt he has shown the rivals he has met in his home country.
The son of Darshaan may well be a superstar, but it remains to be seen how good he will be away from his native land. I’m simply not prepared to back him at the prices likely to be on offer. The Great Gatsby to give Aidan O’Brien a record Irish Derby three in-a-row is the hopeful prediction.
Whatever The Great Gatsby’s fate, O’Brien can provide us with a winning nap in the shape of the once-raced Antonius Pius.
The son of Danzig may have only won a moderate three-horse affair at Gowran Park last month, but created a huge impression and looks a horse for the future.
This is infinitely a stiffer test, facing some useful sorts, but Antonius Pius can come through with flying colours.
Lightly-raced Mingun could be another for Ballydoyle in the Budweiser Celebration Stakes, a Listed event over a mile. He gave promise of much more to come with a smooth defeat of subsequent winner, Kurbaan, the verdict two and a half lengths, in a maiden at Leopardstown on his reappearance.
The Arthur Guinness Handicap sees a massive field set to face the starter, but the progressive, and versatile, Yukon, who should relish this two miles, may be worth a little interest.
At headquarters this afternoon, Dermot Weld’s Maharib is fancied to provide the answer to the Group Three IAWS Curragh Cup. He seems to be rapidly on the upgrade and made the graduation from maiden company to Listed class in style when beating Mkuzi by two lengths at Limerick.
Arundel is the obvious worry, having beaten Maharib a head at the Curragh in April over a mile and a quarter.
