The Irish Derby has been completely dominated by Aidan O’Brien in recent years, with Ballydoyle claiming nine of the last nine renewals. This however, remains a completely different type of horse seeking victory in the mile-and-a-half Classic.
Saxon Warrior was described as a monster after forging clear in the 2000 Guineas, but the odds-on favourite could only finish fourth in the Derby and is given a huge opportunity to establish his place as a star once again.
He was a tad unlucky in the Derby, but he never looked or travelled like the winner and on the day Masar was the best horse. Yet Epsom is a tricky undulating track, and it could be that Saxon Warrior didn’t enjoy the conditions in west London. The Curragh is a flat track and it’s a fair one, so the best horse normally wins.
Saxon Warrior is an odds-on favourite once again, and deserves to head the market on the form prior to the Derby. He was a classy juvenile, and his Guineas victory was simply very impressive and he is the only horse lining up as a classic champion.
Some believed that he doesn’t stay the trip, but I disagree. You need to be at your very best to win the Derby, and I don’t think the horse was anywhere near that last time – but he can bounce back here.
For me his biggest danger would have to be Old Persian who was a very good winner of the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot last week, he has huge potential to complete the English and Irish Derby double for Charlie Appleby. Dee Ex Bee also needs to be taken into consideration, he was second in the English Derby here and could go well.
At a bigger price I think Latrobe could easily outrun his odds for Joseph O’Brien. He shaped really well in a Group Three when second before landing a maiden in easy style. The conditions of the race will suit him well, and I expect him to be in the first three home.
