2021 Irish Derby Tips - Mac can shine on return to Curragh
- We've published our guide to the 2021 Irish Derby
- This Classic takes place at the Curragh on Saturday 26th June
- High Definition tops the betting with William Hill
- Mac Swiney is our best bet at 8/1
The third Classic of the Irish flat racing season takes place on Saturday, as a quality field lines up at the Curragh for the 2021 Irish Derby. 11 of the best middle-distance colts have been confirmed in this weekend's renewal of this great race, and it's the best of Aidan O'Brien's five entrants, High Definition who tops the current betting.
We've taken a look through the field set to contest the 2021 Irish Derby and picked out our best bets.
2021 Irish Derby Odds
Name | Odds |
---|---|
High Definition | 13/8 |
Hurricane Lane | 9/2 |
Mojo Star | 5/1 |
Mac Swiney | 8/1 |
Lone Eagle | 8/1 |
Bar | 14/1 |
*Odds taken on 24/6/21*
2021 Irish Derby Runners
High Definition tops the market, despite only running once so far this season. Aidan O'Brien's colt lost his unbeaten record in the Dante at York, but was doing his best work as he crossed the line and is sure to have improved for that outing.
Seamie Heffernan's mount took an age to warm to the task when winning the Beresford Stakes last season, and the penny dropped far too late at York. High Definition is the most talented colt in this field, but this big, gross horse could still be in need of the run, and I'd rather take the market leader on at his current price.
Van Gogh didn't convince over ten furlongs out in France, and both Arturo Toscanini and Matchless are yet to prove their ability on the big stage. Wordsworth, who was last seen finishing second in the Queen's Vase, could garner each-way support as his current price.
Mojo Star followed Adayar home to place second in the Epsom Derby. Rossa Ryan returns from injury to partner Richard Hannon's maiden, who's finished second on all three of his starts to date, so his ability to win has to come into question.
Having beaten High Definition at York, Hurricane Lane ran another strong race to finish third at Epsom. William Buick had to roust his mount along to hold his position as the field climbed the hill, but Hurricane Lane finished off his race nicely and has to be respected.
Frankie Dettori rides Lone Eagle, who was forced to miss the Derby at Epsom after a dirty scope. Lone Eagle won the Cocked Hat Stakes well at Goodwood the last day, and Martyn Meade will be delighted to see plenty of rain forecast in the region over the next 36 hours.
Mac Swiney is another who'll appreciate the extra cut in the ground. Jim Bolger's Irish Guineas winner stayed on for fourth on his first start over 12 furlongs at Epsom, and he boasts a strong record around this historic track.
Earlswood jumps up to Group One level for the first time, and Johnny Murtagh's three-year-old has a little to prove, despite a Group Three win last time out. Fernando Vichi defeated The Mediterranean to land a Listed prize last time out, but I'm not sure whether he has the ability to cope with this step up in grade.
2021 Irish Derby Tips
The one I'm keen to take High Definition on with is MAC SWINEY, despite that defeat at Epsom, and at 8/1 he offers plenty of each-way value.
Jim Bolger's charge started well in the Derby, and followed favourite Bolshoi Ballet throughout. However, I'm not sure he dealt with Tattenham Corner all that well. Kevin Manning's mount was on and off the bridle a couple of times, and seemed to get a little unbalanced coming down the hill.
Once Mac Swiney met with leveling ground, he found a nice rhythm and hit the line hard. I doubt it was the trip that got Manning's mount beat in the Derby, more the challenging nature of that unique track.
Bolger's star loves it at the Curragh, especially when the ground is soft. Mac Swiney won the Futurity Stakes here last season before following up in the Vertem Trophy. He then got the better of Poetic Flare to win the Irish 2000 Guineas in May, and that Classic-winning display was made to look even better when his stablemate routed the competition in last week's St James's Palace Stakes.
Verdict
Jim Bolger wouldn't give Mac Swiney another chance over this trip if he didn't think he was a genuine stayer. Soft ground around the Curragh brings out the best in Mac Swiney, and he can land the third Group One of his career on Saturday.
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