ACROSS the water, there’s Classic action as the Irish Derby (4.35pm) takes centre stage at the Curragh on Sunday. The field has narrowed to just 11 runners following the confirmation stage, but it still looks a deep renewal with several of the protagonists from the Epsom equivalent backing up. One
Bill Esdaile
Tuesday 23 June 2026 4:38 pm
ACROSS the water, there’s Classic action as the Irish Derby (4.35pm) takes centre stage at the Curragh on Sunday.
The field has narrowed to just 11 runners following the confirmation stage, but it still looks a deep renewal with several of the protagonists from the Epsom equivalent backing up.
One of those is Benvenuto Cellini, who was sent off favourite at Epsom, before ultimately disappointing.
The fallout with the Frankel colt being made a non-runner followed, but it was clear that he likely wouldn’t have won anyway in the attritional conditions.
The current good-to-yielding ground at the Curragh, looks more suitable but with rain around and something to prove from Epsom, I can pass over him at short odds.
Raaheeb skipped Epsom following his victory in the Group Three Classic Trial.
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That was a nice performance on just his second start, and he looks an exciting colt for the Owen Burrows team.
That said, he might not be as streetwise as some, so at 4/1, I can leave him.
One horse who looks overpriced is the Joseph O’Brien-trained JAMES J BRADDOCK.
With the yard in red hot form, this son of Zarak could take a big step forward from his third placed effort at Epsom, when he had Benvenuto Cellini in behind.
Even though he hit the frame, he didn’t look entirely at home on the track and was coltish in the prelims, meaning you can mark up the performance further.
The return to a flatter track at the Curragh, where he broke his maiden, should see him in a better light.
The form of James J Braddock’s Derby Trial win at Leopardstown next month is working out well and he looks overpriced at 8/1.
POINTERS SUNDAY
James J Braddock e/w 4.35pm Curragh
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