IT is looking increasingly likely that the Epsom Derby winner Shaamit will be opposed by the runner up, Dushyantor, in the Budweiser sponsored equivalent on June 30th, and that both will be taken on by Dr Massini, favourite for Epsom until withdrawn at the 11th hour because of a setback.
In such an event one could not confidently predict which of the trio would start favourite. Shaamit supporters will be expecting improvement from Epsom to the Curragh and this is certainly likely as was the case with Lammtarra after he had won last year's Derby. Like Shaamit, he had made his seasonal debut at Epsom.
Dushyantor fans will point to his patently luckless run at Epsom and will bank on his being better suited to the Curragh while those who favour Dr Massini will recall his highly impressive performance at York before his Derby withdrawal.
That York success left his rider Michael Kinane optimistic about his Derby prospects. If all three come it should be one of the most riveting Irish Derbys in years.
The action is at Tramore this evening when High Powered, a two lengths third behind Escrito at his local Tipperary last month, should finish there or thereabouts in the Holiday Maiden.
What Thing, the facile winner of a hunter chase at Kilbeggan, can follow up in the Portlaw Handicap Chase. The Beginners Chase should concern Rates Relief and The Outback Way. The latter, who finished second behind Parskint at Kilbeggan, is chosen.
Runner up to Krystallos in an apprentice handicap at Leopardstown last month, Bajan Queen can go one better in the Waterford Crystal Handicap and Kephren, a length and a half second behind Katiymann in a handicap hurdle at the same Leopardstown meeting.
