Decider on cards

The chances of a clash between the English and French Derby winners, Oath and Montjeu, in Sunday's Budweiser Irish Derby are increasing with the prospects of unsettled weather through the week.

A total of seven millimetres of rain fell on the Curragh on Saturday and course manager Brian Kavanagh yesterday described the going as currently "good."

That was good news for Montjeu's trainer, John Hammond, who is not keen to risk his colt on very fast ground.

From his Chantilly base, Hammond said yesterday: "Apparently they had quite a lot of rain in Ireland on Saturday night. As long as it's not firm, Montjeu will run.

"It's borderline whether I or someone connected with the horse will walk the track, but we are keen to run. The situation is unchanged and the horse is in good shape."

Brian Kavanagh said yesterday that it's too early as yet to predict what the ground will be on Sunday but tomorrow could be a crucial day.

"Five millimetres of rain is forecast for Tuesday with another millimetre forecast for Wednesday. If we either miss that rain or get it, it will make a big difference. But the ground at the moment is good," Kavanagh said.

The going will not be the only matter of interest tomorrow as it will also be the last chance of a late supplementary entry.

The Epsom Derby third Beat All is set to be supplemented at a cost of £77,500 as connections feel he will improve from his interrupted Epsom preparation. If Beat All gets the nod, it will give Irish race-goers the chance for a first hand look at the American superstar jockey Gary Stevens.

Michael Grassick runs Prix Noble, with Sylvain Guillot up, in the £8,611 Prix de la Broutillerie (1m) at Chantilly today. The Irish rider may have most to fear from Arabian Sea, coming off a creditable fourth at Longchamp.