Ryan Moore’s World Pool blog: Irish Derby Day

Lambourn is the clear form choice

Curragh | Race 1: Dubai Duty Free Handicap

I kick off Irish Derby Day with MISSISSIPPI RIVER in what looks a very competitive race.
He won under Jack [Cleary] last time out at Leopardstown and I was twice a runner-up on him before that.
He’s very consistent and should run his race again but has to contend with a career high mark. Hopefully he’s still improving and the step up in trip should suit.

Curragh | Race 3: Listed Dash Stakes (Belgrave Stakes)
SEATTLE comes up against some tough opposition here.
He did it nicely enough at Navan last time, but this is a significant step up.
He’s a lightly raced horse having only had the two runs, and he won his maiden nicely last time out, but he’ll have to take another big step forward in this class.

Curragh | Race 4: Listed Celebration Stakes
SKUKUZA returns to the Curragh having won the Emerald Mile in good style back in May. That race is always very competitive, and he impressed me that day.
He’s up in the weights a bit for that win, and we’re drawn in stall one which isn’t ideal on the round mile, but he could still be a little bit unexposed and is a nice ride to have.
Hopefully the ground doesn’t end up too quick for him. As long as there’s no firm in it, he’ll be fine.

Curragh | Race 6: G1 Irish Derby
It was no real surprise that LAMBOURN won at Epsom having been a good winner of a trial at Chester.
He’s an uncomplicated horse that stays very well and they all have him to beat.
He’s going to have a big target on his back now, but he brings the best form to the race and is the one to beat.
Tennessee Stud is entitled to come forward from his third at Epsom, and I’d imagine the Johnston team will have reason to believe Lazy Griff is still improving, so they are obvious dangers, but I wouldn’t swap Lambourn for anything.
Puppet Master is a nice horse who we’ve always held in high regard, but Lambourn is the clear form choice in the race.

Curragh | Race 8: Summer Fillies Handicap
SWEET CHARIOT hopefully has a chance.
She was unlucky not to win a handicap here when I rode her two starts back, so hopefully we can make up for that.

Curragh | Race 9: Stayers Handicap
LONDON CITY is a big galloping horse who has been off the track for over a year and should come on for the run.
He won a couple of nice races last year, but that was back in the spring of 2024, so it’s been a while since he’s seen the track and he might just need this.