Racing

Tuesday tops eight contenders for Irish Derby crown at the Curragh

Irish daughter of Galileo becoming first filly since Balanchine in 1994 to win the Irish Derby

Tuesday will be one of eight contenders at the upcoming Irish Derby at the Curragh. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images

Thu Jun 23 2022 - 16:23

Oaks winner Tuesday heads a field of eight for Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Aidan O’Brien’s narrow Epsom victor was supplemented for the classic on Tuesday and has since made her way to the top of the market.

The daughter of Galileo will be attempting to become the first filly since Balanchine in 1994 to win the Irish Derby and she is O’Brien’s only runner in the race.

His sons are also represented, however. Joseph O’Brien runs Hannibal Barca, who won the Gallinule Stakes on his first run since leaving Brian Meehan, while Donnacha O’Brien runs Piz Badile, who disappointed at Epsom.

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Westover is the major challenger from the UK for Ralph Beckett.

He met trouble in running when a fast-finishing third behind Desert Crown at Epsom. Rob Hornby, who rode him that day, has been replaced by Ireland’s champion jockey Colin Keane.

[ Menuisier hoping Irish Derby plan for Lionel pays off at Curragh ]

The UK challenge is completed by the David Menuisier-trained Lionel, winner of the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.

Jim Bolger runs Boundless Ocean, French Claim represents Paddy Twomey, while Andy Oliver’s Glory Daze completes the field.

A field of six go to post in the GAIN Railway Stakes with three of them, Age Of Kings, Blackbeard and Crispy Cat all having run at Royal Ascot.

Eddie Lynam’s speedy mare Romantic Proposal, meanwhile, is in the frame for the Darley July Cup having missed Royal Ascot. The six-year-old is a Group One winner over five furlongs and made a most pleasing return to action this season when winning a Listed race at Naas.

She had been in the frame for the King’s Stand at Ascot last week, but an unsatisfactory scope meant she was unable to travel. While there is an option closer to home, connections could be tempted by the Newmarket July meeting’s showpiece.

“She had a dirty scope so we didn’t confirm her (for Ascot), but she’s good now and she might go to Newmarket for the July Cup,” said Lynam. “I know the (Group Two) Sapphire Stakes is on here (Curragh July 16th) but the owners are keen to try her in another group one.

“She’s very well and at least that Aussie horse (Nature Strip) has gone home!”

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