Irish colts dominate build-up to 234th Epsom Derby

The 234th Epsom Derby might be shaping into an international affair, but there will be an undeniably dominant Irish flavour to the world's most famous Classic this Saturday, as more than half the opposition to hot favourite Dawn Approach could be from this country.

Jim Bolger’s unbeaten Newmarket Guineas winner will face a maximum of 14 at the weekend with Aidan O’Brien leaving in half-a-dozen hopefuls at yesterday’s forfeit stage, including the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Magician, as well as Battle Of Marengo and Ruler Of The World.

However, O’Brien’s fellow Co Tipperary-based trainer David Wachman has also left in Galileo Rock, owned by controversial Cork developer Michael O’Flynn, while Andy Oliver, based at the other end of the country in Co Tyrone, has kept open the option of running First Cornerstone.

Dawn Approach’s stable companion, Trading Leather, third to Magician at the Curragh last weekend, is also among the 15 acceptors remaining in the race.

Galileo Rock was confirmed a starter by Wachman yesterday with Wayne Lordan set to take the Derby ride on a colt that ran third in April’s Sandown Trial on his only start this season.

“The plan was always to go to Sandown and then the Derby. We’re very happy with him and he’s a well-balanced colt who likes fast ground,” said Wachman. “The favourite has the best form from the Guineas but Epsom is a one-off place and we think our horse will run well.”

Ranged against the strong Irish team will be Germany’s first ever Derby runner in the Qatar Racing-owned Chopin, supplemented into the race yesterday at a cost of almost €88,000, while Andre Fabre’s Ocovango will fly the French flag. The Dante winner Libertarian appears the main home hope in a race bookmakers reckon will be won for the 17th time by an Irish-trained runner.

A total of six of the last 13 Derby winners have been trained in this country, an unprecedented run of success, and they include Dawn Approach’s sire, New Approach, who scored for Bolger and jockey Kevin Manning in 2008.

With the two other British entries, Ocean Applause and Mirsalle, unconsidered in the betting, home hopes mainly look to rest on the Elaine Burke-trained Libertarian and Burke’s husband Karl is hopeful of a big run.