Sport

O'Brien wants safe ground

RACING: Aidan O'Brien indicated yesterday he could run four horses in Sunday's Budweiser Irish Derby but stressed the importance…

Mon Jun 23 2003 - 01:00

RACING: Aidan O'Brien indicated yesterday he could run four horses in Sunday's Budweiser Irish Derby but stressed the importance of safe ground at the Curragh, writes Brian O'Connor.

Just 24 hours ahead of tomorrow's vital forfeit stage the going on the Derby course at the Curragh is "good to firm" and "good" in the straight.

The track manager, Paul Hensey, reported: "There has been some rain about but we've had none of it and the forecast is for good weather. We will wait and see what happens before making a decision about watering."

Fast conditions at Royal Ascot last week caused O'Brien to withdraw his runners on the fourth day of the Royal meeting and he is hoping that the going will be more suitable as he goes for a third Irish Derby success in a row.

READ MORE

"We would be happy with safe ground. I think everyone would," said O'Brien who plans to run his Epsom runner-up, The Great Gatsby, in the race.

O'Brien's other possible contenders are Brian Boru, Handel and Powerscourt, who has not yet raced this season.

A final decision is expected today on whether or not €95,000 will be paid out to supplement the Epsom Derby winner Kris Kin into the race. Michael Stoute is bidding for a fourth victory in the race and the Newmarket trainer worked Kris Kin on Saturday ahead of a decision.

The Aga Khan-owned Alamshar also worked on Saturday and John Oxx's colt is likely to join Dalakhani in a strong Aga-owned entry for the Derby.

Before that there is jump racing at Kilbeggan this evening and Paul Carberry, who returned to action at Navan yesterday, will be fancied on the hat-trick seeking Zamnah in the handicap hurdle. The Bowles runner followed up a Wexford success on this course last time and is upped 9lb for that. That could make a difference and lurking at the bottom of the weights is Siochain who ran a decent fourth at Down Royal on Friday.

The Beginners Chase could turn into a battle between Ride The Storm, sixth to Wouldn't You Agree at Tralee, and Blame The Ref who ran third on the track to Albrighton. Preference is for the latter.