Benvenuto Cellini can claim Classic redemption in Irish Derby
EYES ON THE PRIZE: Benvenuto Cellini can give Aidan O'Brien a record-extending 18th Irish Derby success at the Curragh on Sunday. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA
Controversially deemed a non-runner at Epsom, Benvenuto Cellini can claim Derby redemption by landing the Irish Classic at the Curragh on Sunday.
On the back of an impressive Chester Vase win in May, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Frankel colt was sent off the 3-1 favourite in the Derby. However, it all went wrong at the start as the horse had a hind leg on the shelf in the stalls when the gates opened and missed the break as a consequence.
Benvenuto Cellini never threatened to land a blow thereafter but, given his was a self-inflicted mishap, it still came as a surprise when he was subsequently declared a non-runner.
How he would have fared on rain-softened ground had the start gone to plan is open to debate but conditions at the Curragh this weekend should be far more to his liking.
A further positive is the fact that Ryan Moore, who took it easy on Benvenuto Cellini when it became obvious his chance of victory was gone, has opted to keep faith with him rather than jump ship to Derby hero Christmas Day.
All eyes will be on how Benvenuto Cellini exits the stalls this time but there was a freakish element to what happened at the start at Epsom that’s unlikely to be repeated at the Curragh. He can give his trainer a record-extending 18th Irish Derby success.
Stablemate Christmas Day ran a massive race to win the Derby but it’s hard to see the stars aligning quite as perfectly for him as was the case at Epsom so James J Braddock may prove the biggest threat to Benvenuto Cellini.
Given how worked up he got in the preliminaries, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Zarak colt ran a huge race to finish third at Epsom.
The Curragh pre-race atmosphere won’t be as intense at Epsom so James J Braddock is unlikely to waste as much energy this time. That should help him make his presence felt at the business end of proceedings.
Elsewhere on Irish Derby day, Purview should be hard to beat in the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free International Stakes.
The Dermot Weld-trained son of Kingman produced a career-best effort when bolting up over a mile and a half at this venue last month and will be a tough nut to crack if in the same form this weekend.
The Joseph O’Brien-trained Thundering On is the star attraction on Saturday’s card at the home of Irish Flat racing and it’ll be a big surprise if she fails to back up her scintillating Oaks triumph with further Group 1 success in the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes.
The Frankel filly was a class apart at Epsom, sauntering to a three and three-quarter length victory over Legacy Link, the front two pulling miles clear of their rivals.
If she runs to that level again, it’s hard to envisage anything but another smooth success.
Stablemate Starborn Legend could be worth waiting for in the finale, the Jo Browne Luxury Skincare Irish EBF Maiden.
The Starspangledbanner colt shaped well when sixth on debut earlier this month and it won’t be a huge surprise if he steps forward considerably on that effort.
Greydreambeliever, another trained by Joseph O’Brien, has found one too good on three trips by Gowran Park this season but the Dark Angel filly can get her head in front in the Neville Homes Summer Fillies Handicap.
On what could be a super Saturday for the O’Brien family, Aidan should dominate the first half of the card. Giant Sequoia can get the ball rolling by winning the Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden, the opening race on the card.
The Frankel colt failed to justify favourtism when third on debut over course and distance earlier in the month but should be better for the experience and is fancied to make amends.
Confucius can get back to winning ways in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse And Stables Anglesey Stakes.
On the back of a maiden success at Naas last month, the No Nay Never colt was sent off the 2-1 favourite for Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot but had to settle for sixth. A repeat of that run should suffice here.
Stablemate Sun Goddess is also backing up quickly after running well in defeat at Royal Ascot and the Albany Stakes runner-up should be tough to beat in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes if over those exertions.
1.45 Giant Sequoia
2.15 Confucius
2.45 Greydreambeliever (NB)
3.20 Sun Goddess
3.55 Thundering On
4.30 Fixation
5.05 Real Encounter
5.40 Starborn Legend (Nap)
1.45 Bull Shark
2.15 Immortal Guard
2.45 Meriden
3.20 Green Empress
3.55 Estrange
4.30 Clear Quartz
5.05 Unauthorized
5.40 Tide Of Fortune
Selections
1.10 Alpha
1.40 Toca Madera
2.10 Bodhi Bear
2.45 Playin Cool
3.20 Purview (NB)
3.55 Alcantor
4.35 Benvenuto Cellini (Nap)
5.15 How'sthebai
5.45 Factual Fact
1.10 Ibelieveicanfly
1.40 Likedbymike
2.10 Big Gossey
2.45 Pretty Omagh Girl
3.20 Hotazhell
3.55 Tokenomics
4.35 James J Braddock
5.15 Monvoe
5.45 Obscenity
