A huge Irish contingent will descend on Towcester on Saturday night as the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby comes to a conclusion. The raiding party have dominated the competition from the outset and the betting suggests that trend will continue in the £175,000 to the winner showpiece with three of the top four in the betting representing these shores.
Graham Holland finally got his hands on the English Derby trophy last year when Romeo Magico emerged a tremendous winner. Twelve months on, he is responsible for half the field with Swords Rex odds-on to maintain his unbeaten record in the classic.
Over the past five weeks, the Easter Cup and 2022 Kirby Memorial champion has been imperious, scarcely seeing a rival on his march through the prelims. He was again foot-perfect in the semi-finals and has been rewarded with a near ideal trap four draw.
His nearest rival in the betting is his kennel companion Clona Duke. He too is proven at the highest level after capturing last year’s Juvenile Derby at Shelbourne Park before winning this year’s Select Stakes at Waterford.
The brilliant son of Malachi posted a sensational 28.69 in the semis to break his own track record and is clearly a worthy adversary. The same can be said for the third Graham Holland trained runner, Gaytime Nemo.
With a favourable draw in trap two, Gaytime Nemo is on the right side of his main rivals and has the ability to go fast. At around 8-1, he certainly represents value.
If one of the three Graham Holland trained runners were to emerge triumphant, it would be a seventh Irish success this century. When you consider they won a total of ten all last century, it just shows the strength of the track scene on this side of the Irish sea in recent years.
Standing in their way are three home representatives headed by Roma Command. He actually began his racing career at Graham Holland’s Riverside Kennels outfit but has really found his wings since journeying across the pond to Patrick Janssens.
He has both pace and power but needs to be at his very sharpest in the opening yards to ruin the Irish party. There is no doubt he is the UK’s best hope, however, with Cochise and Ninja Kerry both available at huge odds.
It should be another wonderful night at Towcester with a real sense of occasion. English Derby final night, much like the Irish equivalent, is a very special occasion. A massive crowd will pour through the stiles and create a raucous atmosphere.
Swords Rex can confirm his place at the head of the market by leading throughout to see off Clona Duke while there is a strong possibility of an Irish one-two-three with Gaytime Nemo also expected to play a big part.
There is also come incredible racing on offer on Irish soil with the Boylesports Champion Stakes and Champion Plate commencing at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night. The second round of the RPGTV Corn Cuchulainn is on the same card and, if the opening round is any indication, there should be some superb displays from Ireland’s top stayers.
Favourite for Champion Stakes glory is Ballymac Marino. He was last seen when making his exit at the quarter final stages of the English Derby. He can be forgiven for that defeat and looks certain to be a major player in both this competition and the upcoming Derby.
Of course, the very nature of the Champion Stakes means that each of the eighteen competitors are proven at the highest level. Have no doubt, the hunt for the €20,000 winner’s prize could right down to the final stride in next weekend’s decider.
Romeo Hanzo is favourite for the Champion Plate. Much like Ballymac Marino, he was one of the stars of the early rounds of the English Derby and seems to be progressing into a serious performer. It’s worth noting that the Champion Plate, while it is worth less than the Champion Stakes, was won two years ago by subsequent Derby third Jackslittlething and last year by the eventual Derby champion Born Warrior.
Elsewhere, there are a few potential superstars in action in the final of the Denis Linehan Solicitors Open Unraced at Curraheen Park. Both Jetara and Droopys Flytline look far better than average and their clash in the valuable decider could provide fireworks. Jetara is a half-brother to the incredible Susie Sapphire and seems to have more early speed than his rivals. That could make the difference between victory and defeat.
