Dane to get trip

The main supporting race to tomorrow's Derby at the Curragh, the Group Two International Stakes, also looks to be destined for…

The main supporting race to tomorrow's Derby at the Curragh, the Group Two International Stakes, also looks to be destined for export and it will be no surprise to see it fought out between Godolphin's Altibr and the Henry Cecil trained Great Dane.

The latter looks the most reliable option, especially with the apparent best of the home team, Mus-If, not a certain stayer over nine furlongs.

That will be no problem for Great Dane who picked up a Listed race at Goodwood over ten furlongs and counted the subsequent Queen Anne Stakes runner up Docksider among his victims. On ratings, Altibr comes out fractionally ahead but the flashy chestnut's best form is all on dirt in Dubai. When he returned to turf at Epsom, Altibr was backed like a good thing but was quickly beaten. Maybe Epsom's camber had something to do with that but all told, Great Dane looks the one to be on.

Apart from that it could be a day of doubles. Aidan O'Brien's classic prospect Bernstein was described as a "special horse" by his trainer after winning on his debut and that gloss will be considerably dimmed if the Strom Cat colt cannot pick up the Railway Stakes. O'Brien's Woodman newcomer Ciro can also beat the well regarded Broche in the opener.

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Social Harmony missed out on a run in the Wokingham at Ascot can gain compensation off only 8st in the Scurry Handicap. Social Harmony's trainer Dermot Weld could also get the nod in the mile handicap with Profit Alert. Noel Meade reintroduces Embellished after a year's absence and should not be underestimated while Meade has booked Mick Kinane again for Saving Bond and the fast finisher should strip fitter this time in the last.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column