Irish Derby today

The Irish Derby will be run today at the rather unusual time of 19.30 CET as the 7th of 8 races at the Curragh. The obvious and logical favourite here is Ruler of the World (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), still unbeaten after 3 starts including the Derby at Epsom, in which he defeated Libertarian (Elaine Burke/ William Buick) and Galileo Rock (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), both of whom were running on well at the finish.

However we see no reasomn why threy shouöd reverse the form, as Ruler of the Eorld was not sdtoppi9ng either and won fair and square. His trainer has dominated this race in recent seasons - in fact he has won for the last 7 years and we expect no. 8 this evening. The placed horses from Epsom should again run well, but Trading Leather (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) looks the best each-way alternative.

There is also a full progamme from the U.K., with the Northumberland Plate, aka the Pitmans Derby, at 16.15 at Newcastle the big betting race of the day. With a full field of 20, this 2 mile handicap is one of the toughest events of the year for punters. German-breds Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Paul Mulrennan), also a useful hurdler, and Oriental Fox (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) are just 2 of many possibilities.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dove Mountain - Trikala - Tarn
2. Race: Caponata - Count Of Limonade - Elleval
3. Race: Hanky Panky - Gathering Power - Curly Wee
4. Race: Gabriel`s Lad - Burn The Boats - Via Ballycroy
5. Race: Coach House - Stubbs - Focus On Venice
6. Race: Slade Power - Maarek - Move In Time
7. Race: Ruler Of The World - Libertarian - Trading Leather
8. Race: Call Me Bubbles - Abou Ben - Justification