Oxx looking to the skies

JOHN Oxx admits no decision on the participation of Sea The Stars in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is likely to be made until Saturday afternoon at the earliest.

Oxx is keen to let his stable star bid for more Classic glory at the Curragh on Sunday but while the colt is likely to be declared for the race, the weather will decide whether he takes his chance or not.

“The ground on the round course until you get to the straight is good to firm, but when you come off the hill into the straight it is just genuine good ground,” said Oxx.

“It’s fine at the moment and I think most people would be happy with the ground as it stands, but from our point of view the forecast has changed and there is now an increased risk of showers tonight and tomorrow.

“There could be some showers over the weekend also but there is a lesser risk on Sunday. We’ll just have to wait and see how much rain falls, how heavy the showers are and what effect it has.

“The ground would be fairly receptive to rain as there is quite a bit of moisture in the ground.

“We would be hopeful we would be OK but the chance of heavy showers is there.

“We’ll make a final decision when we can make it and I’d imagine we’ll declare him tomorrow. I think on Sunday morning we’ll know if we’re out of the woods or not.

“Once we get Saturday out of the way we could be in a position to make a decision.

“I suppose at the end of racing on Saturday I would hope we’ll know what the situation is as I would not like to be leaving it until the last minute.

“I’d like it to be perfectly good for us or much too soft. It’s what is in between that trainers don’t like.

“I would hope our chances are better than 50-50 but it’s in the lap of the gods really and you just don’t know what is going to happen.”

Jessica Harrington's The Bull Hayes is a big outsider for Classic glory at 100-1 but the County Kildare handler is just delighted to be represented.

“I’m only a National Hunt trainer and for me to have a runner in the Derby is great, Harrington told At The Races.

“He was unlucky last year as he ran in some good maidens and was fifth in the Goffs Million.

“He’s won his maiden this year very easily and was third in the Gallinule so we thought why not take our chance? Sea The Stars was so impressive in the Guineas and the English Derby and you have to be a very good horse to win both of them. If something is going to come and beat him they will have to be an excellent horse.”