Irish Derby Preview

Trainer John Gosden is confident Godolphin and partners' colt Jack Hobbs can make the progression typical of an inexperienced yet highly-talented three-year-old when contesting Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Jack Hobbs was having only his fourth outing when he was a gallant runner-up to stablemate Golden Horn in the Investec Derby at Epsom on June 6.

"I think he learnt a lot about life that day," Gosden said. "He's a rangy colt, and I expect him to improve physically in the autumn, and next year as well. He's in good form," he added.

The ground at the Curragh is predicted to be 'Good to Firm,' with little rain forecast. Prior to Epsom, Gosden had been concerned about how quick the going had become and walked the course prior to giving the green light for Jack Hobbs to run.

There are no such concerns this time. "Yes, I'll have a good look at it (the ground). But we're not looking for soft ground. We're just hoping there is no jar. He is an intended runner, and after Saturday, he can take a little break," Gosden pointed out.

Gosden believes that Ballydoyle's Highland Reel, who returned to form with a solid second in the Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly last start, will pose the biggest threat to Jack Hobbs.

"It's a contentious race. I think the odds offered about Jack Hobbs are a little short, but that's not my business. Highland Reel looks like he's coming on fast. Obviously, you have a healthy respect for an unbeaten colt owned by the Aga Khan (the Dermot Weld-trained Radanpour), and there are no form lines to weigh up the Oaks winner Qualify," he added.

The William Haggas-trained Storm The Stars finished third in the Derby at Epsom, four and a half lengths behind Jack Hobbs, and is also a serious contender, particularly on a more suitable, galloping track.

Jack Hobbs finished ahead of four of his Irish Derby rivals when they clashed at Epsom, and Gosden remains optimistic the colt can again hold that edge.

Ryan Moore, who has never won the Irish Derby, will partner Highland Reel, while Joseph O'Brien, who rode Highland Reel in France, switches to Giovanni Canaletto, who was Moore's mount when fourth at Epsom.

A minor feature of the Irish Derby Day card is the quick reappearance of Godolphin juvenile Log Out Island, who faces four rivals in the six-furlong Railway Stakes.

The Richard Hannon-trained two-year-old was courageous in defeat when second to Waterloo Bridge in the Norfolk Stakes, over five furlongs, at Royal Ascot.

Sunday's Pretty Polly Stakes promises to be a cracker, with Godolphin's Pleascach bouncing back 10 days after a battling second to Curvy in the Ribblesdale Stakes to tackle 1,000 Guineas winner Legatissimo and the unbeaten Dermot Weld-trained Brooch, over a mile and a quarter in a strong renewal.

The other international race of great significance takes place in Paris on Sunday. It is Treve's next outing, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, in which the dual Arc winner will have a different pacemaker.

Godolphin's Manatee looked particularly impressive when winning the Grand Prix de Chantilly. He will be in opposition in what looks a highly-competitive renewal.