A total of 16 horses have completed the unique Epsom-Curragh Derby Double including the previous named horses (except Balanchine who previously won the Epsom Oaks). Ruler of The World bids to become the 17th horse to achieve the double tomorrow and also bid to give Aidan O Brien a record 11th winner of the race. Coolmore and Ballydoyle have won this race for the last 7 consecutive years and tomorrow they bid to make it 8.
The first three home in the Epsom Derby Ruler Of The World, Libertarian and Galileo Rock renew rivalry tomorrow. They face a further six rivals including progressive Group three winner Sugar Boy (who had both Libertarian and Galileo Rock behind him at Sandown), Jim Bolger relies on his consistent Irish Guineas third and Dante stakes runner up Trading Leather. Both Little White Cloud and Ralston Road take significant step up in class each having scored or placed at Group level. The field is completed by pacemakers Festive Cheer and Cap O Rushes.
Ruler Of The World comes to the Curragh on the back of a three race unbeaten run his first run at Group one level was the derby. He won his debut as a three year old easily at the Curragh and conditions should suit him. He is a half brother to 10F specialist Duke Of Marmalade.
Libertarian is said to have come out of Epsom as a "sharper" horse this time around. This son of New Approach showed his Dante win was no fluke when running a fine second at Epsom. Libertarian will then join Saaed Bin Suroors stable inNewmarket having been subsequently bought by Godolphin.
Sugar Boy who will have his first start at the highest level will also move from his current trainer Patrick Prendergast after been bought by Sheikh Bin Kalifa Al Maktoum, a new trainer has yet to be decided for this extremely exciting son of Authorized.
Galileo Rock is also another progressive and potentially exciting horse after his brilliant run at Epsom. He could make into a serious older horse for next year.
Trading Leather for Jim Bolger bids to give him his first Irish Derby since St Jovite back in 1992, this Group three winning son of Teofilo deserves to take his chance.
This years Irish Derby looks very competitive on paper. It's hard to fault the Epsom winner on his current form given there's plenty more to come from him. Sugar Boy for me is potentially very exciting and I would strongly consider punters to place him. He's sure to be in the top three. Libertarian is probably the biggest danger. Ruler Of The World won't have it as easy this time around.
By 6:40pm we should know the winner of the 2013 Irish Derby and will Ruler Of The World rule supreme against his peers. It promises to be a cracking race in store.
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