WATCH HORSE RACE EXCLUSIVELY

Posted by sports | Posted in | Posted on 6:10 AM

 All aboard the Dunboyne Express:
There are only two weeks between the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh and the Investec Derby at Epsom, but that hasn't stopped horses running well in both races in the past.
The most recent example is Jim Bolger's New Approach who was second to Henrythenavigator before winning the Derby in 2008.
The English 2000 Guineas is often cited as a very good Derby trial, and although the Irish Guineas lies later in the calendar, there is no reason why it should be less of a pointer.
The reason it doesn't have as strong a record is merely the timing; not many trainers are prepared to step a horse up half a mile in trip just 14 days after running in a Group One over a mile.
However that isn't something which seems to be concerning Kevin Prendergast, and as a result his DUNBOYNE EXPRESS looks like a great bit of value at 66/1 with Stan James for Epsom glory.
In April, Prendergast said: "The Derby would be on the agenda, depending on how he progresses in the Irish 2,000 Guineas - if he runs a good race at the Curragh, the Investec Derby would have to be considered."
At the time of writing he is a general 7/2 second favourite for Saturday's race at the Curragh and if he wins there (with favourite Dubawi Gold surely too short after a hard race at Newmarket, it must be fairly likely), then his price could easily crumble, putting us backers in a great position.