Harzand keeps Ballydoyle trio at bay in Ballysax

The Dermot Weld-trained Harzand earned quotes ranging from 16/1 to 25/1 for the Investec Derby in Epsom following his workmanlike victory in the Group 3 P W McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes in Leopardstown yesterday.

Sent off 2/1 favourite, the Aga Khan-owned Sea The Stars colt, runaway winner of a Cork maiden last month, picked up well off a strong pace to beat the Ballydoyle trio, Idaho, Beacon Roc and Cook Islands.

A length and a half was the winning margin for Pat Smullen’s mount, with the leading duo finishing seven and a half clear of the third.