Lambourn led throughout when galloping his 17 rivals into submission in the G1 Derby Stakes (2405m) at Epsom earlier this month, and he is the favourite to prove that was no fluke in Sunday’s (29 June) 10-runner G1 Irish Derby (2400m) at the Curragh.
If the son of the 2014 Irish Derby winner Australia achieves that feat he will be the 20th horse to land the historic Classic double as well as being an extraordinary 17th Irish Derby victor for his trainer Aidan O’Brien.
Ryan Moore takes over on Lambourn with Wayne Lordan, the triumphant winning rider at Epsom, partnering Puppet Master who looks strongest of O’Brien’s four other contenders.
What happens in the great Epsom Classic has traditionally proved the strongest guide to what occurs at the Curragh a few weeks later so it is no surprise to see Lambourn – drawn in gate five – taken on again by Epsom second and third, Lazy Griff – paired with William Buick for the first time – and Tennessee Stud (Dylan Browne McGonagle).
The former may need some ease in the ground whilst, although Tennessee Stud has 4.75 lengths to find with Lambourn, he did best of those coming from off the speed at Epsom. So much the better for the Joseph O’Brien-trained colt if this develops into an acute test of stamina.
A quality alternative for those looking in another direction to Epsom Classic form is Green Impact whose 78-year-old trainer Mrs John Harrington would love to add a first victory in Ireland’s greatest Classic to an already radiant CV.
She and jockey Shane Foley both sound bullish about Sunday’s challenge even though this son of Wootton Bassett has yet to race beyond 1800m.
Harrington says: “Green Impact has come on loads since his sixth in Newmarket’s 2000 Guineas (1600m) and even since his win this month at Leopardstown (Listed Glencairn Stakes 1800m). We knew he wanted further than a mile at Newmarket where he lost a shoe and on ground that was a bit too quick for him.”
Although Foley admits that Lambourn will be tough to beat, he says: “Green Impact is as laid back as they come and I really believe he could thrive at this distance. Things have been a bit quiet for me this year, but we have a live chance on Sunday.”
