Irish Derby Betting Preview

With the ground turning soft it’s looking likely that John Oxx will take the decision not to run Derby winner see the Stars in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh tomorrow. The soft ground means it’s almost 100% the horse won’t run and instead will go for the Eclipse at Sandown instead. So we’d advise leaving your bets on this race late to see if he takes his chance.

Oxx will still have a runner in the race if the favourite is withdrawn and Mourayan 16/1(VCBet) has definite place prospects. Mourayan finished behind Fame and Glory in the Derby Trials, but Oxx think’s he has improved and believes the longer trip will suit.

With the favourite a non runner the market will be dominated by Aiden O’Brien who has seven runners in the field. He runs the Epsom Derby second, third and fifth from - Fame and Glory, Masterofthehorse and Golden Sword.

O’Brien also runs Drumbeat, Hail Caesar, and Rockhampton and has given the ride on Byzantine to his son Joseph who is making his debut in a classic having ridden in only a handful of races s far in his career.

Stable Jockey Johnny Murtagh has opted to ride Fame and Glory 9/4 (Bet365) but we think Masterofthehorse who was running on at the end of the Derby at Epsom could be the pick of O’Brien’s horses and he’s 4/1 (Skybet). Epsom third Golden Sword will also have a squeak 24/1 (Betdaq) and at that price is an each /way bet that looks interesting.

Kevin Prendergast saddles Recharge who finished fourth in the Irish 2000 guineas. We like this horse and reckon there will be some improvement from him, but soft ground won’t suit and that might ruin his chance if it becomes too soft. At 33/1 (Bet365) we think Recharge could be overpriced and recommend an each/way bet on this one, as we believe he has a real chance especially if See the Stars doesn’t go.

We think Gan Amhras 14/1 (Betfair) may improve for his Epsom Derby run where he refused to settle and ran far too keenly, but we don’t believe he will trouble the judge

If See the Stars runs he will win, if he doesn’t we think Masterofthehorse will win with Recharge filling one of the remaining places at a big price.

You can view all our horse racing selections for this afternoon's meetings at our website.

We will be giving our horse racing tips for the evening meetings here on the blog later in the afternoon.