Darley is booked to ride Melikah

Kevin Darley will stall his chase of the British jockeys' title for one day at least after getting a late call up from Goldolphin…

Kevin Darley will stall his chase of the British jockeys' title for one day at least after getting a late call up from Goldolphin to ride the second favourite, Melikah, in Sunday's Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks.

Currently second to Pat Eddery in the jockeys' table, Darley is a surprise late addition to the Godolphin team, as Richard Quinn had earlier this week been reported, along with Richard Hills, as being on standby to ride their horses at the Curragh.

Hills does indeed partner the other Godolphin hope, Teggiano, but Darley will now ride the Epsom Oaks third, who is the produce of two Arc winners in Lammtarra and Urban Sea.

"My agent told me I had the ride this morning and I'm very pleased. I've ridden for Godolphin before but it's nice to be thought of for such a prestigious race," said Darley.

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There are a bumper 14 races between Wexford and Down Royal today, with the most valuable pot being the £8,000 Carlsberg Handicap Chase at Wexford. It may pay to keep a close eye on the mounts of the top jump riders, Ruby Walsh and Paul Carberry at Wexford.

Carberry can double up on the former Doncaster Cup hero, Canon Can, just run out of it by Miners Run and Rathbawn Prince at Bellewstown, and the course and distance winner Luna Fleur in the feature; and Walsh my do the same, courtesy of Rua Lass in the opener and Mykon Gold in the novice chase.

The best bet of the day, however, could be at Down Royal. Curragh trainer Jim Gorman won with Miracle Ridge on this card last year and sends five horses this time, the best of which should be Christy Senior in the 10-furlong handicap.

Considering his flat form of a couple of years ago, Christy Senior is well in off a mark of just 54, and if ridden with more restraint than when fourth to Mantles Prince at Navan, will be hard to beat.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

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