RACING:BORN TO Sea is set to be upped in trip on his next start, and it could even be to the mile and a half of this Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby as John Oxx pursues a first win of the year for Sea the Stars' half-brother.
The colt finished well in last week’s St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, just as he did in the Irish Guineas, and Oxx believes the time is right to step him up from a mile. “I felt all along he was a miler but all he is doing is staying,” said the Curragh trainer, who could leave Born to Sea in the Derby at today’s forfeit stage. “We will talk it over and decide in the morning whether we will leave him in Saturday’s race and think more about it during the week.”
The Irish Champion Stakes in September, famously won by Sea the Stars in 2009, may be a longer-term option.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary goes into this evening’s novice chase at his local Kilbeggan track in force with three of the eight runners, including the course winners Prince Ludovic and Tackmaster – but, not surprisingly, the Gigginstown Stud number one rider Davy Russell has opted for Carlito Brigante. The former Coral Cup winner was foot-perfect on his chasing debut at Killarney last month and at his best looks a class removed from these.
Mister Benedictine is over a stone higher in the ratings for the first handicap hurdle after his very easy course win, which suggested he could be hard to beat whatever the penalty next time.
Dessie Hughes can complete a first and last race double with Chase the Favorite and Canaly who could use his experience to good effect in the Beginners Chase.
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