Fab fame stakes Derby claim
Fame And Glory was roundly slashed for the Epsom Derby after his classy victory in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown.
The unbeaten son of Montjeu overcame a 5lb penalty for a French Group One success as a juvenile to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his sixth triumph in this race since 1998.
Bookmakers Victor Chandler Bet cut Fame And Glory’s Derby odds from 16s to 10-1, while William Hill go the same price (from 20s).
He is only 8-1 with Stan James, having been cut from 16-1 and then 12s.
Having travelled supremely well from the outset, Fame And Glory was nudged by Johnny Murtagh into a prominent position as they turned into the home straight.
Murtagh, who racked up a treble on the card, then gained a clear-cut advantage over Fergus McIver passing the one-furlong marker.
Although that rival stuck on gamely to finish second, Ballydoyle’s 4-1 winner was one length ahead at the line.
John Oxx’s Mourayan, the 5-4 favourite, lost little in defeat and made late headway to finish just a head away third.
O’Brien said: “I was delighted with that performance carrying his Group One penalty.
“The horse should come on a lot for the outing as most of mine have done so far this season.
“I wouldn’t mind coming back here for the Derrinstown Stud Trial but that’s only a possibility as we’ve got lots of options.
“I’m very happy with him.”
O’Brien completed a quick 26.5-1 double when the Murtagh-ridden Stately Home (9-2) took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The winner was given a Derby quote of 25-1 with Victor Chandler and Stan James, while Paddy Power go 20-1.
Kargali (5-2) ended Three Rocks’ bid for a four-timer in the Listed Heritage Stakes.
Oxx said: “We’ll step him up in trip next time for the Mooresbridge Stakes (at the Curragh) in two weeks’ time.”
Gold Bubbles continued Jim Bolger’s rich vein of form with victory in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The 13-2 chance drew alongside the 6-4 favourite Air Chief Marshal a furlong out and went clear of the O’Brien colt in the last 100 yards to win by two and a half lengths.
Bolger said: “We thought she would need seven furlongs, and that looked the case when she was sluggish in the early stages, but she did it well and we may now look at the Group Three Swordlestown Stakes at Naas.
“I would have no doubt that she will get a mile.”
Murtagh, rider of Air Chief Marshal, gained quick compensation with a narrow victory on the David Wachman-trained Carlito Brigante in the Maple Handicap.
The 9-2 favourite had just a short head to spare over Kevin Prendergast’s Rantavan Wood.
Izagonawin made a bold bid for home when hitting the front before the home turn, but Carlito Brigante and Rantavan Wood made strong runs in the straight.
In a tight finish, it was the former who got the nod to land a gamble.
