Ruler ‘in good form’ for Curragh

All the leading protagonists in a potentially thrilling renewal of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby have been reported to be thriving and on target for the Curragh highlight on Saturday evening.

Ruler Of The World heads a list of 11 six-day acceptors and is looking to emulate stablemate Camelot, who recorded the English-Irish Derby double last year.

Speaking via a telephone link at yesterday’s press conference at the Curragh, Aidan O’Brien declared the favourite to be “in good form” while also indicating that Festive Cheer was a “possible” participant.