Classic trials at Leopardstown

Two highly significant classic trials today are the main features at Leopardstown, and the Derby Trial at 16.55 CET in particular could well have a big effect on the betting market for Epsom. There are 7 runners here, 3 trained by Aidan O´Brien and 2 by John Oxx, and they could well dominate the finish. The 3 principals Fame and Glory (O´Brien/ Seamus Heffernan), Fergus McIver (Jim Bolger, Dclan Moran) and Mourayan (Oxx/ Mick Kinane) all ran in the Ballysax over this CD 3 weeks ago, finishing in that order.

Fame and Glory, regarded in most quarters as O´Brien´s main Derby hope, won in good style then, and meets the others on slightly better terms now, but there are certainly grounds for expecting Mourayan to finish much closer this time. He did not get the run of the race then and is also seen as a major Derby prospect. The 1000 Guineas trial at 17.25 has 8 runners, but many of them appear to be their stable´s second strings. The exception could be Firey Red (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who was unluckily beaten on her seasonal debut at the Curragh by Oh Goodness Me (runs today in the French Guineas) and could go one better now.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Emperor Claudius - Love Lockdown - Lisselan Princess
2. Race: Yankee Doodle - Francisco Goya - Dixie Music
3. Race: Arc Bleu - Shaimaa - Ghimaar
4. Race: Fame And Glory - Mourayan - Fergus Mciver
5. Race: Firey Red - Aaroness - Smart Coco
6. Race: Award Ceremony - Monteriggioni - Rockazar
7. Race: Mad About You - Three Rocks - Red Rock Canyon