Tote World Pool betting proves its growing significance to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, especially on next Sunday when the modern era’s inaugural nine-race programme will kick-start at the Curragh. The aim behind this initiative is to improve the betting product for a global clientele, which helped generate around €500,000 additional revenue at the Curragh last year. Managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the World Pool is the largest combined market in world-wide horse racing.
The Curragh’s premier classic made its debut in the pool in 2023, a move that played a crucial role in switching the Derby to Sunday after 14 years. Last year, nearly €29 million turnover in pool betting was recorded on the Curragh’s card. This year again, the Derby retains its Sunday slot with the Curragh’s classic hub featuring a nine-race card as the centrepiece, valued at €1.25 million. A handicap has shifted from the Derby Festival’s Friday night opener card, doubling its prize money to €100,000.
Last year saw Auguste Rodin reigning over the Derby as he became a prohibitive 4/11 favourite and clenched the Epsom-Curragh double. While the absence of his stable mate City Of Troy next Sunday might slightly dent the Curragh classic’s allure, it provides a more competitive opportunity for punters and potentially lucrative results for the track.
Meanwhile, Ambiente Friendly, who was second to Eclipse-bound City Of Troy at Epsom, stands as the 5-4 favourite to outdo himself at the Curragh. Alongside Los Angeles, Ambiente Friendly is Aidan O’Brien’s prime contender for an unprecedented sixteenth Irish Derby victory. Deira Mile, who previously stood fourth at Epsom, is also set to participate at the Curragh. Detailed insights about the Classic scenario are expected to emerge following Tuesday’s acceptance phase.
At next Sunday’s Derby, the potential surprise contender could be Matsuri, a horse trained by Roger Varian. He marked his seasonal debut quite late, but won an average race at Leicester by an impressive eight lengths. Varian, who marked his first Curragh classic win with Eldar Eldarov at last year’s Leger, is eager to quickly upgrade Matsuri to top-tier status.
The trainer, situated in Newmarket, expressed his belief in the stallion’s potential. Despite missing the mark earlier for participation in a formal Derby Trial and subsequently Epsom, he notes that the horse’s delayed readiness might benefit him. The horse is considered incredibly capable, allowing it to transition swiftly from novice to classic company if it possesses the necessary skills. However, concerns remain about the horse’s level of experience compared to its primary opponents.
The trainer is optimistic that, despite skipping Epsom and Ascot, the horse will be rejuvenated as he heads to the Curragh. He needs to be superior to make up for his inexperience, which is the expectation. The trainer, who rates the equine highly, assures that varied conditions, from fast ground to good to soft, won’t pose a hurdle for the horse. But, he confesses his uncertainty about more challenging conditions.
The weather report for the upcoming week anticipates a change with possible rainfall over the country.
Wayne Lordan who previously rode the horse at Epsom beamed over his performance. The horse, known as ‘Los Angeles,’ ran a commendable race, showing a lot of determination. Lordan predicts the horse’s performance will improve further at the Curragh. As a substantial galloping horse, Los Angeles fits well the nuances of the Curragh which is a galloping track.
Lordan also comments on the unique nature of the Epsom track, highlighting that a horse must learn to balance itself on it. He believes the Curragh will offer a less challenging terrain for Los Angeles.
Ryan Moore, who recently scored his first Irish Derby victory on Auguste Rodin, will be partnering with Los Angeles for the first time in the horse’s journey. Los Angeles, the Camelot colt, had only previously been ridden by Lordan in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown, and later by Christophe Soumillon during his Group One triumph at the last year’s Criterium de Saint-Cloud.
The O’Brien team finds themselves riding high into their local Derby, having recently celebrated their principal trainer’s victorious 13th recognition as Royal Ascot’s lead handler, following his triumph of six winning horses. O’Brien’s overall win count at the Royal Ascot currently stands at an impressive ninety-one.
O’Brien expressed, “We are filled with gratitude and feel honored, as we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by numerous outstanding individuals. The leading lads unquestionably manage the entire operation, and that’s where the inspiration originates from. However, it’s necessary to remember the continuous hard work and dedication from our team members, day after day.”