It's a somewhat diminished Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this year. It can't be helped. Unprecedented times etc. We should be in for a keenly fought contest. A bumper field of 15 go to post.
I will be envious of the RTÉ crew at the track. Backing a few winners from home is never a chore mind. Fingers crossed.
4.15 pm Dubai Duty Free Maiden
Daylight Come made a promising debut in Naas last September. That reads like strong form. He steps up in trip here. If that leads to improvement, he will prove hard to beat. Timourid took a big step forward in a recent course and distance maiden. That may have come due to encountering quick ground for the first time. He's greatly respected.
Selection: Daylight Come 10/3
4.45 pm Dubai Duty Free Alleged Stakes
Buckhurst knows how to win, and races over his optimum trip here. Sir Dragonet has forgotten how to win, and probably wants a greater stamina test. He's favoured by race conditions but strikes me as a risky proposition at short odds.
Selection: Buckhurst 9/4
5.15 Dubai Duty Free Handicap
Latin Five was a big eye-catcher in a recent handicap at this course. The drop back to six furlongs promises to suit this strong traveller. He should go well at rewarding odds. Nullifier looks to be a pretty well handicapped horse.
Selection: Latin Five 20/1
5.45 pm Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes
Flight Risk is getting on a bit, and carries a penalty. He looked as good as ever last season though. I'm hopeful he will get a strong pace to aim at. That may be enough to see him make up for a luckless run in last year's renewal of this race. Raise You will be stepping up in trip before long. He's a talented sort though, and shouldn't be underestimated on stable debut for Joseph O'Brien.
Selection: Flight Risk 7/1
6.15 pm Dubai Duty Free Premier Handicap
Big Baby Bull showed plenty on his first start for Denis Hogan last week. This step up in grade demands more but he looks a well handicapped horse. Ice Cold In Alex is a frustrating sort. He will be hard to kick out of the frame though.
Selection: Big Baby Bull 11/1
6.45 pm Gain First Flyer Stakes
Frenetic looked very professional when making a winning debut in Navan. That race is starting to work out well. She can make the most of her sex allowance here. It's possible to make excuses for the below par effort of Chief Little Hawk in Royal Ascot. It wouldn't surprise were he to bounce back here.
Selection: Frenetic 7/4
7.15 pm Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby
It's not all about the boys here. New York Girl flies the flag for the fillies while Rachel Blackmore crosses codes to ride outsider King Of The Throne. Santiago heads the betting. He looked good in Royal Ascot but a combination of quicker ground, and a drop in trip could leave him vulnerable. Crossfirehurricane is a model professional. He was most impressive in the Gallinule Stakes last time out. There are stamina concerns on pedigree but my hunch is he will relish the test. He can retain his unbeaten record. Tiger Moth should not be dismissed. He has plenty of upside, and will have learned plenty from his recent win in a Leopardstown maiden.
Selection: Crossfirehurricane 7/1
7.45 pm Comer Group Vintage Crop Stakes
Master Of Reality is being trained with the Melbourne Cup in mind. That doesn't mean he won't be fit enough to do himself justice here. He won on his comeback last term. That was just one of a number of creditable efforts that season. He's the best horse in this race. Stablemate Twilight Payment should run his usual honest race.
Selection: Master Of Reality 5/2
Watch live coverage of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Saturday (Irish Derby at 7.15pm) from 6-8pm and on Sunday from 3-5pm.
