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The big race on Sunday is of course the Irish Derby at The Curragh (3.50).
There are 3 runners from our list to follow, Classic Punch, Puerto Rico and Dragon Dancer. Classic Punch sprung a surprise at Windsor when winning at 25/1. Makes a big step up in class here although the extra 2 furlongs should suit him as he is related to that great stayer Persian Punch. Puert o Rico is not Aiden O’Brien’s first string runner but holds a chance nevertheless. He won a 5 runner Group 3 here last month over 10 furlongs. The longer trip should not be a problem. Dragon Dancer ran a blinder in the Epsom Derby and was only denied a win in the dying strides. Amazingly he remains a maiden. He deserves a success after his great Epsom effort and he is my selection.
We have 2 runners in the listed sprint at 2.05, Majestic Times and Benbaun. In theory this should go to Benbaun who was only beaten a short head in the Group 2 King Stand at Royal Ascot.
I have been following the fortunes of Dress to Impress this season. He now has form figures that read 322 so is looking a little exposed. He was quite well beaten by Winning Spirit last time but should again be on the premises in what looks a fairly ordinary maiden in the 2.20 at Warwick.
The 2.30 at Windsor is a nursery. High Style of Richard Hannon’s has shown enough in 3 maidens to make him of interest.
Heaven Knows from our list to follow runs in the 3.35. He3 won on heavy ground at Thirsk last month and has since been beaten, albeit only by a neck, at Sandown. That was on faster ground so there must be the slight fear that the giung will not suit him here. He steps up to 10 furlongs here and that should be to his advantage as he is certainly bred to stay that far.
I gave Miss Otis a good write up when she won first time up at 20/1. She has since finished down the field in the Hilary Needler and under av penalty has a bit to do in the 4.10. There are good reports about the newcomer Pelican Key who is sprint bred and comes from an in form yard.
The lightly raced Percy’s Pearl represents our list to follow in the 4.45. He is a course and distance winner and was 47th last time out after a 9 month absence. In with a good chance.
ahorse 