Irish Derby: Oaks winner Qualify looks for repeat performance

It may not rank with her 50-1 Epsom Oaks shock but the Curragh authorities are hoping Qualify might yet spring another surprise and take her chance against the colts in Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

It is 21 years since Balanchine became one of just three fillies in the 20th century to land Ireland’s premier classic, a statistic that doesn’t appear to be preventing connections of several horses from pondering a shot at 2015’s renewal of the €1.25 million highlight.

Both Curvy and Pleascach, first and second in last Thursday's Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, remain possible contenders although the latter's owner, Godolphin, also has the current odds-on ante-post favourite Jack Hobbs.

Tuesday’s final forfeit stage promises to have a major influence on the shape of Saturday’s field with supplementary entry still possible, although an extensive ‘win and you’re in’ programme to increase the derby’s competitiveness this year already looks to have provided an inexpensive route into the race.

Supplementary system

Qualify’s Epsom victory has provided such a way into the derby, and both Balanchine and Salsbail (1990) won the Oaks before successfully tackling males at the Curragh.

"Qualify is one that qualified by winning the Epsom Oaks and we have had a couple of inquiries about how the supplementary system works from those connected with her so we're quietly hopeful she may be a surprise package," Curragh manager Paul Hensey said.

Qualify is owned by Chantal Regalado Gonzalez and with trainer Aidan O’Brien also able to call on Coolmore-owned entries such as French Derby runner-up Highland Reel and the Epsom Derby fourth, Giovanni Canaletto, the champion trainer will again be a major player in pursuit of a 12th win in the race.

The final make-up of Ballydoyle’s challenge may yet also have an influence on whether or not Curvy makes a quick follow-up to her Royal Ascot triumph at the course over which she won last month’s Gallinule Stakes.

"I will have to see what the owners want to do and how she has come out of the Ascot race before making any decision," Curvy's trainer David Wachman said. "We have until declaration time on Thursday to make our minds up."

Wachman did indicate, however, that his 1,000 Guineas heroine and Epsom Oaks runner up Legatissimo is “most unlikely” to try and add to her classic tally in the Derby.

‘Good to firm’

John Gosden has confirmed Jack Hobbs will attempt to go one better than his second to stable companion Golden Horn in the Epsom Derby, while the third on that occasion, Storm The Stars, is another cross-channel possible, as is Ed Dunlop’s Gallinule Stakes third, Prince Gagarin.

Ground conditions at the Curragh are “good to firm” with little change likely before the weekend and watering set to continue through the week.

“We’ve been watering tentatively for the last two weeks through the dry spell to make sure the ground doesn’t get away from us, and I would imagine that will continue,” Hensey said. “The forecast is a little changeable but we will closely monitor that.”

The Curragh is celebrating the Irish Derby’s 150th running on Saturday with the big race due off at 6.30. Tomorrow’s forfeit stage will be an informative step, however, in terms of what some of Europe’s major battalions might send for the historic occasion.