Irish Derby: Race Preview & Odds
Here at betting.bet we’ll offer an enhanced preview of the Irish Derby including a rundown of all the major players, exclusive betting tips and race odds
The feature race at the Curragh this weekend is the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with eight runners confirmed for this year’s running of this much-anticipated race. As we look ahead to the latest instalment of one of Ireland’s most iconic flat races, here at betting.bet we’ll offer an enhanced preview of the Irish Derby including a rundown of all the major players, exclusive betting tips and race odds courtesy of our partners at AK Bets.
Irish Derby History
The Irish Derby was first run in 1866 however there were earlier editions of the race called the O’Darby Stakes and Curragh Derby which were established in 1817 and 1848 respectively. Initially contested over 1m6f, the Irish Derby has been raced over its current 1m4f distance since 1872. The Irish Derby is open to three-year-olds, excluding geldings.
The Irish Derby is traditionally run four weeks after the Epsom equivalent and last year Auguste Rodin became the 19th horse to have completed the England and Irish Derby double. Auguste Rodin’s win saw trainer Aidan O’Brien extend his impressive record to 15 Irish Derby wins. O’Brien is responsible for four of the eight entries in this year’s race.
A Major Gamble On The Supplemented Ambiente Friendly
Ambiente Friendly finished second in the Betfred Derby at Epsom and trainer James Fanshawe has shown real faith by shelling out €100,000 to supplement him for this weekend’s Irish Derby.
Prior to chasing City Of Troy home at Epsom, Ambiente Friendly really impressed when winning the Derby Trial last month. That form has been boosted further by Illinois’ win in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.
“Ambiente Friendly appears to have come out of Epsom in really good form. He worked last Wednesday and seems nice and bright in himself ahead of the weekend and I’m very happy with the colt.
“He really came into his own in the Derby Trial at Lingfield back in May, which he won really well, and then showed further progress in the Derby at Epsom and appears in good shape since.
“I just had a look at the weather forecast for the week and there doesn’t appear to be a lot of rain around. The ground was just on the slow side of good at Epsom and I don’t envisage any issues with the ground at the Curragh as he is a lovely moving horse and we are all very much looking forward to it.”
Leading Contenders
Ambiente Friendly is likely to go off as favourite on Sunday but there are plenty with a chance in the Irish Derby. Los Angeles looks the best of the Ballydoyle quartet having finished third in the Derby four weeks ago. Prior to that Epsom run, Los Angeles had won his three previous races and whilst he was no match for Ambiente Friendly, he may fare better if settling into the stalls this time.
Matsuri takes a significant step up in class on Sunday as he goes in search of a hat-trick for in-form trainer Roger Varian. Matsuri was last seen when landing an eight-length win in a novice race at Leicester last month. The Irish Derby has long been the objective for this son of Sea The Stars.
Grosvenor Square has been weak in the market but should not be ruled out in the same colours as last year’s winner Auguste Rodin. A distant third when favourite in the Chester Vase last month but could be in the mix if rediscovering his juvenile form. Wayne Lordan will saddle Grosvenor Square for the first time with Ryan Moore opting to ride Los Angeles instead.
Irish Derby Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ambiente Friendly | 11/8 |
| Los Angeles | 6/4 |
| Matsuri | 13/2 |
| Grosvenor Square | 11/1 |
| Sunway | 16/1 |
| Euphoric | 33/1 |
| The Euphrates | 50/1 |
| Keeper's Heart | 66/1 |
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