13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Puerto Rico can deliver as derby weekend opens
An eye-catcher on his debut over course and distance three weeks ago, Puerto Rico might get punters off to a successful start in the Lock 13 Gastropub&Brewpub 2-Y-0 Maiden which kicks-off Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby weekend at the Curragh.
A Wootton Bassett colt, trained by Aidan O'Brien, he was sent off as 10/1 Ballydoyle second-string for his debut but, ridden by Declan McDonogh, made late progress under Declan McDonogh to finish fourth, beaten three lengths, by his stable-companion Flushing Meadows.
That form has been boosted by the third, North Coast's smooth success at Down Royal last weekend and, sure to know a lot more about his job this time, Puerto Rico should prove a tough nut to crack.
Ger Lyons has won three of the last four runnings of this maiden and relies this time on Learntodiscover, sent off a strong 13/8 favourite for his debut over course and distance, when having to settle for third spot behind a couple for Ballydoyle colts, Brussels and Kansas, rock-solid form.
The Havana Grey colt should take a step forward from that run, but might not cope with Puerto Rico.
A step-up to seven furlongs and the addition of a hood should help Cape Sounion's bid to make it third-time-lucky in the seven-furlong O'Driscolls Whiskey 2-Y-0 Fillies Maiden.
This No Nay Never filly was green as grass when she bumped into Ballydoyle hope Simply Astounding on her debut in Naas and was then a beaten favourite when third to her stable-companion and subsequent 'Albany' third Balantina in a six-furlong Curragh maiden.
Donnacha O'Brien's charge sets a formidable form standard and gets the nod over Ballydoyle hope Minerva, a £1.5m. yearling, who is expected to improve dramatically from her debut third behind another O'Brien filly Moments Of Joy.
This daughter of Frankel, highly-regarded in Ballydoyle, looked virtually clueless at Leopardstown but, with that run under her belt, she should prove a different proposition here against Cape Sounion.
Elsewhere on a card which includes three handicaps and a charity race. Joseph O'Brien's consistent but luckless Tswalu might make her breakthrough in the Diageo Luxury Spirits Maiden.
A daughter of Justify, she has filled the runner-up berth in all three of her starts, this season behind Catalina Delcarpio, Darzina and Royal Entry (went on to win the Ulster Oaks) respectively.
A real galloper, she is rated 4lb below another frustrating sort in Game Point but looks more straight-forward and is preferred.
