Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby: runner-by-runner guide

Third to Bow Echo in the Royal Lodge and split Hawk Mountain and Benvenuto Cellini on testing ground in the Futurity Trophy at two, 

However, doesn’t appear to have trained on as well as close relation Lambourn judging by three starts this term, having failed to back up a better effort in the Dante when only beating two home (in first-time cheekpieces) in the Derby. 

Obviously worth noting that the ground was barely raceable at Epsom that day, but lots to prove at present on the back of it. 

Frankel – Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega) 

T: Aidan O’Brien. Best odds: 6-4. 

Large-striding colt who cemented his position as Derby favourite with an emphatic four and a half-length Chester Vase win in May, but controversially deemed a non-runner in the race itself after getting his leg caught in the stalls (ran but finished well down the field after a slow start). 

There were plenty of reservations about the testing ground that day (only disappointing run at two came when third to Hawk Mountain in the Futurity on heavy at Doncaster), so should be much more at home under these conditions. 

Should be fresher than most (Ryan Moore was easy on him once his chance had gone at Epsom) and has an obvious opportunity to atone here. 

Well-fancied but made an awkward start when beaten on sole start at Newbury at two, but much more professional when making all over seven furlongs on his reappearance at Doncaster in April. 

Again dictated when making successful raid for 9.5-furlong contest at Gowran Park earlier this month, making a good impression with both paddock appearance and in the race itself, though that form is yet to be tested. 

Needs to take another step forward, but not one to discount too quickly given his progression, for all his prolific Italian family have mainly done their racing over shorter than this new distance. 

Pick of his juvenile form was a gutsy defeat of A Boy Named Susie, and progressed again when ahead of that rival and seven others in the Ballysax on his return. 

Not so good when third behind Item and Action in the Dante, but relished the test of stamina when given a positive ride by Ronan Whelan in the Derby at Epsom last time, in the perfect place throughout and able to fend off Maltese Cross for a two and three-quarter length success. 

Will need to have his stamina fully drawn out to be at his best here, but appears to be a little underestimated in the market once again. 

Bolted up when beating the useful Cannes here by six lengths on his second start at two. Only fifth in the Ballysax at Leopardstown on his reappearance in April, but took a step forward when seeing off Pierre Bonnard and Endorsement in the Derby Trial back there the following month. 

Again improved when third to Christmas Day at Epsom, a fine effort considering he wasted energy by being unruly beforehand and came from much further back than the winner. 

Best performances have come on much slower ground, though, so there must be some doubts about the suitability of good to firm going. 

Won the Zetland Stakes and Criterium de Saint-Cloud (two lengths ahead of A Boy Named Susie) at two, but looked badly in need of the run when well down in the field in the Ballysax on his reappearance. 

Short-head second to James J Braddock in the Derby Trial the following month, where the slow pace probably didn’t suit either, but failed to fire again when a very well-backed 7-2 chance for the Derby. 

Unwise to rule out any horse on their run that day, but didn’t appear to last home over the longer trip – despite having looked as if it would suit – so has a little bit to prove now. 

Brother to Baaeed, so no surprise he was sent off a warm order for his debut at Ascot (soft ground) in September where he showed a professionalism that belied his big, raw physical appearance. 

Gave trouble beforehand but more straightforward in the race itself when landing the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown on his return in April, though reportedly quite sore afterwards. 

Has been pleasing connections at home ahead of this further step up in class, and shapes as if this longer trip will suit (Owen Burrows trained his half-brother Hukum to multiple wins over the distance, and further), however there must be some concern over ground conditions if it comes up very quick. 

Bumped into some good ones in three winless starts at two, but quickly off the mark on his return, beating subsequent winners Latin America and Asakir on testing ground here. 

Upset in the stalls and ran no real race when fourth behind James J Braddock in the Derby Trial, but took a step back in the right direction when a front-running third behind Causeway in the Gallinule last time. 

That form franked by the winner since, and has always looked a good fit for this race, but has something to prove on this quicker ground. 

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The betting suggests Benvenuto Cellini is the one from Ballydoyle, but it still sticks with me that Christophe Soumillon thought he might be a French Derby horse last year, and the mile and a half here is a very different test of stamina compared to his Chester win. 

The recent dry spell may count a little against the likes of Christmas Day and Raaheeb, as well as James J Braddock, but preference at the prices is for the Derby hero from Epsom. This race is often won by horses with an abundance of stamina and that certainly seems to be the case for the son of Camelot (who did the double himself).