There is little doubt that the Irish Derby is the standout race at the Curragh Racecourse at the end of June and start of July, with the famous event rounding off the popular three days event in style. The Irish Derby is always a race that generates much interest among both horse racing fans and punters alike, and this year is no different, with all major bookmakers offering odds on the race. The Group 1 Classic takes place on July 1st, with some of the best three-year-olds from around Europe expected to battle it out for the spoils.
Irish Derby Frontrunners
Having won the Irish Derby trials over ten furlongs at Epsom Racecourse back in April, winning by a head over Permian, it is little surprise that Cracksman is the favourite with many bookmakers. However, the John Godsen trained colt will have to do without jockey Frankie Dettori, who had previously led him to victory at Epsom, with the Italian having been ruled out through injury. Despite having struggled when he was the leading contender for the Epsom Derby at the start of June, finishing behind both Wings of Eagles and Cliffs of Moher, Cracksman has still been heavily backed for the Irish Derby, with his speed over this distance one of the main reasons. As the son of former great, Frankel, he certainly has some major boots to fill.
With Wings of Eagles set to once again go head-to-head with Cracksman, the French thoroughbred racehorse will be looking to maintain his momentum after his win at Epsom, having never previously won a stakes race. Trained by famous trainer Aiden O’Brien, the three-year-old will be hoping to once again capitalise on the inexperience shown by Cracksman et al in the past.
Elsewhere, the likes of Waldgeist, Crystal Ocean and Capri are among the outsiders for the race with the bookmakers, with the former having been touched off by Brametot at Chantilly recently. The Andre Fabre trained horse is set to step up in distance, meaning that it remains to be seen as to how he will adjust.
Top Betting Tips
As previously mentioned, there is little to separate the frontrunners for this famous race, with bookmakers William Hill even offering both Cracksman and Wings of Eagles identical odds, at just 9/4. Elsewhere, Paddy Power offer Cracksman as the 9-4 favourite, while Betfair have Wings of Eagles at just 3/1. However, for those looking to back an outsider, Prix du Jockey-Club winner Waldgeist is the horse for you, with both Ladbrokes and Betway currently offering odds of 10/3 for the three-year-old.