A field of 10 runners were declared for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Sunday afternoon, with the first, second, and third from the Epsom version all set to battle once more.
Make sure you’re ready for the big race by checking out our top-rated betting sites and expert tips, as well as taking advantage of the completely free weekend Placepot which Tote are offering this weekend, on top of £30 in free bets for new customers.
Free Tote Placepot all weekend
Before we get to the Irish Derby, we’re keen to highlight a nice free offer that Tote are running throughout the weekend.
Opt in to claim yours ahead of placing your bets this weekend, and you can use it on your choice of UK or Irish action, including Saturday’s £100k pot at Newcastle or £75k guaranteed pool at York.
To help you out with today’s action, resident Placepot tipster Andrew Mount is on hand with his perm for the big pot at Newcastle.
And it’s even better news if you haven’t signed up with Tote already. They’re high on our list of recommended UK betting sites, and are offering new customers £30 in free bets + 20 free spins when you open a new account and bet just £10.
Free Tote Placepot T&Cs
Free Placepot: Online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Free Placepot to the value of £0.50 in Tote Credit. Redeemable against placepot bets at Tote.co.uk & Tote apps only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires Sunday at 23:59. Opt-in required. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org
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Irish Derby Preview: Lambourn there to be taken on
Aidan O’Brien has pocketed this race an incredible 15 more times since his first success in the race with Desert King in 1997. The Ballydoyle supremo has only once failed to get a runner in the first three in the last 22 years.
That streak is likely to continue, with five of the 10 contenders arriving from his Tipperary base.
Chief among them is the Epsom winner Lambourn. Ballydoyle stars Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Camelot (2012), Australia (2014) and Auguste Rodin (2023) have all completed the Epsom-Curragh double, although Ruler Of The World (2013), Wings Of Eagles (2017) and Anthony Van Dyck (2020) failed in their follow-up attempts.
On ratings, Lambourn (120) is closer to those beaten Epsom winners than he is the stars who doubled up in Ireland.
Wayne Lordan was given a very easy time in front three weeks ago and Lambourn kept up a strong gallop to win. It is unlikely Ryan Moore will be offered the same privilege now and his colt may do well to emulate his sire, Australia, by obliging. At short odds, he is worth taking on.
Irish Derby tips & predictions
Aidan O’Brien, who is seeking a record-extending 17th win in the Curragh classic, accounts for half of the field, while hopes of a third British-trained winner in five years rest on the shoulders of Ralph Beckett, who saddles two runners, and Charlie Johnston.
Can Lambourn complete a Derby double? Our expert is going against the Epsom winner.
- NAP: Tennessee Stud @ 5/1 with Tote
- Next Best: Pride Of Arras @ 8/1 with Tote
Stud to turn on the charm
TENNESSEE STUD was the bronze medallist at Epsom for Joseph O’Brien, who rode Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014) to win this race and trained Latrobe (2018).
The Wootton Bassett colt was held up in rear and did best of those trying to come from off the pace as he closed up the running rail in the final furlong at Epsom.
He had smart form as a juvenile, winning two of his four starts and running well behind Puppet Master and Hotazhell in his defeats.
He looked to need the run on his comeback in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown won by Delacroix but shaped much better at Epsom and he could be spot-on now.
The way he finished the race off last time was a real hint he can excel at this trip and if they get racing off the home bend, his stamina should kick in for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.
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Beckett’s charge can restore Pride
PRIDE OF ARRAS failed to justify his status as the second favourite at Epsom but it may be wise to forgive that run from the previously unbeaten son of New Bay.
He got an early bump, travelled wide and didn’t seem to handle Epsom’s undulations coming into the home straight as he beat just one rival home.
It may be better to judge him on his Dante win at York that preceded it. He moved smoothly into contention on the Knavesmire and powered home and on that running he is well worth another tilt at this Classic trip.
His Epsom showing was too poor to be true and while he has to improve on his York win, he might be capable of doing that for the trainer who won this race in 2022.
- Brand new sportsbook launched, offering far more than just horse racing
- Benefit from the unique Tote dividend as an alternative to normal fixed odds betting
