Mutadaffeq can send punters home on a high at Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby
Kevin Prendergast’s colt ran once as a juvenile, a race in which he finished a close third behind Restive. He wasn’t seen again until earlier this month, when he travelled like the best horse but faded late to finish fourth behind Stellar Mass in a twelve-furlong race at this track.
Prior to the race, connections made it clear he would be better for the race and if that’s the case he should be ready to make the breakthrough. The drop back to ten furlongs shouldn’t be an issue for the New Approach colt, and he is preferred to Radar O’Reilly and Jamie The Taylor.
The opening fillies’ maiden is bound to be a hot contest, but the vote must go to the Jim Bolger-trained Bean Feasa, who just failed to justify heavy support when beaten half a length by Psychedelic Funk on debut in April, at Naas. The winner has done plenty for the form, winning the Fishery Lane race at the same track on his next start before finishing third behind leading juvenile Caravaggio in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Back against her own sex, Bean Feasa should prove very hard to beat. Aidan O’Brien’s three runners deserve respect, but the biggest danger may come from Rehana, who made a pleasing debut at Fairyhouse. The Dark Angel filly was noted staying on nicely, and should appreciate the extra furlong of today’s race.
Neither Almanaara nor Reckless Gold has been seen on the track for eight months, but they can dominate the Donedeal Maiden. Marginal preference is for the former, from the Dermot Weld stable. He ran three times last year and was unlucky not to earn his stripes in the last of the three outings. While Saafarr is a long way clear on official ratings, he was disappointing last time, and Almanaara can improve past him here.
