Timeform Daily: The 2009 Irish Derby

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 28 June 2009 / Leave a Comment

With Sea the Stars pulling out which horse can master the soft ground to take the big prize at the Curragh? If anyone knows, it's Timeform...

Fame And Glory has an easier task than at Epsom with Sea The Stars almost certain to be pulled out and should relish the stronger test of stamina. Golden Sword and Mastercraftsmen both ran well in the same race last time and should place.

Byzantine has a good middle-distance pedigree, by Sadler's Wells and out of a Group 1 winner. Looked nice prospect when overcoming greenness to score Gowran last year, but suspicions that he's a pacemaker here.

Drumbeat ran eight times at two years, relishing test of stamina when second in Group 1 in France final start. Running creditably, but also signs of attitude problem and is hard to fancy in this company.

Fame And Glory won his first four starts, including two recognised Derby trials in Ireland, before chasing home Sea The Stars at Epsom. Further emphasis on stamina should play to strengths and Johnny Murtagh takes over.

Gan Amhras is bred to stay well and the fact that he had the speed to come third in the Guineas was very encouraging. Didn't seem to handle the unique test at Epsom and concern that he wants firmer ground.

Golden Sword didn't look out of the top drawer when winning 1 from 4 as a juvenile, but given fine ride to land the Chester Vase and by no means disgraced when fifth at Epsom. Sound each-way claims.

Hail Caesar is a hold-up performer who made winning debut as a juvenile, but has come up short every time in Group company, and leap of faith required.

Loch Long shaped with more promise than the bare form implies at 2 yrs, 1¾ lengths third to Vocalised on debut before failing to handle softer ground at Navan. Scope to progress in 2009, but this a stiff task.

Masterofthehorse is brother to Oaks winner Alexandrova and has plenty of ability himself, staying on well for third in English equivalent having again been set plenty to do. Leading player on that form.

Mourayan won twice at Leopardstown at two years either side of excellent second (behind Sea The Stars) in Group 2 at the Curragh. Needs to put a disappointing effort behind Fame and Glory behind him.

Recharge is progressing well, close fourth to Sea The Stars in Group 2 at two years before readily disposing of Intense Focus at Leopardstown on return. Excuses last time, but this is a big ask.

Rockhampton won smoothly at Leopardstown on return before showing much-improved form when third in hot sales race at Newmarket. Scrambled home over easy 12f at Dundalk, but this a very different test.

The Bull Hayes showed form good enough to win most maidens at two years and stepped up on that when scoring easily at Navan. Found wanting in Group 3 company last time and this is even tougher.