Overview
- James J Braddock, third at Epsom after getting worked up in the preliminaries, is confirmed to run in Sunday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.
- Trainer Joseph O’Brien said the colt has recovered well and that the Curragh’s fairer test and nicer ground should suit him and produce an improved performance.
- Benvenuto Cellini, who was a non-runner at Epsom after trouble in the stalls, leads the market at about 6-4 while Christmas Day and Raaheeb sit around 3-1.
- The Irish Derby remains an eleven‑horse field including Christmas Day, Causeway, Raaheeb, Bay Of Brilliance and Bunyola Bay with running plans to be finalised later in the week.
- O’Brien’s yard arrives in strong form after five Royal Ascot winners this month and his past Irish Derby success gives weight to his belief that Curragh conditions could close the gap to Epsom form; connections will also decide this week whether Oaks winner Thundering On runs in the Pretty Polly en route to the Irish Oaks.