classic trials in Ireland

there are just two low-level N.H. meetings in the U.K. today, and also Irish jumping, with big fields, at Killarney, but the big meeting is is the sole flat card at Leopardstown, with 3 group races.

The Derrinstown Derby Trial over 10 furlongs at 16.40 CET is the main feature and this race is usually targeted by Aidan O´Brien who has won it 9 times this century, with 3 of the winners going on to score at Epsom. To be frank, this outcome looks unlikely this time as it does not appear that his two runners, both ridden by sons of his, are at the top of his Derby list. Joseph rides his main hope Order of St. George and Donnacha Cradle Mountain, but on form Success Days (Keith Condon/ Shane Foley), an easy CD winner last time, looks a stronger candidate. The Aga Khan filly Summaya /Dermot Weld/ Liam Roche) could be the fly in the ointment; Weld, whose main jockey Pat Smullen is suspended, has taken out his main Derby hope because of the very soft ground, but this filly, despite her last time defeat, is an interesting prospect, especially with the stable in such great form.

Weld and Roche have an even better chance in the 1,000 Guineas Trial half an hour earlier with Stormfly, who has won both her starts this year with great authority. Kissed by Angels (Seamie Heffernan)was beaten in a maiden last time, but still looks the better of the two O´Brien runners, but both she and Stellar Glow (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) need to improve quite a bit to threaten the Weld runner.

The other Group race is the Amethyst Stakes over a mile at 15.40. Flight Risk (Bolger/ Manning) was 50-1 when winning a similar race last time but will be a much shorter price now, even though some of those behind her, notably Sruthan (Paul Deegan/ Chris Hayes) can be fancied to reverse the form on 3 lbs better terms. However it could be that OnenightIdreamed (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) an easy winner last time of the Irish Lilcolnshire from 22 opponents,, is the main danger. He is moving up in class but seems much improved judged on that race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ard San Aer - Lady Oak - Stamp Hill
2. Race: Flight Risk - Alive Alive Oh - Onenightidreamed
3. Race: Stellar Glow - Devonshire - Off Limits
4. Race: Cradle Mountain - Order Of St George - Carbon Dating
5. Race: Lean And Keen - Beau Satchel - Bobby Jean
6. Race: Ceylon - Maskoon - Coolfighter
7. Race: Bondi Beach - Crossandra - Slaney River Run