26th-Jun-2021

I think that Hurricane Lane is the value in the Irish Derby.

Winner of his only race last year as a juvenile, the Godolphin horse shaped well in winning over 10 furlongs at Newbury on his debut this season, and he stepped forward next time in winning the Dante when we had him on side.

He stayed on well that day, he showed a good willing attitude, and he left the impression that he would be even better when he stepped up to a mile and a half.

He did that in the Derby last time, and he did well in the circumstances to finish third behind his lesser-fancied stable companion Adayar.  He didn’t really have the run of the race, he was wider than ideal down around Tattenham Corner, he didn’t really handle the descent, and he came home without his two front shoes.

He has three lengths to find with Mojo Star on their running in the Derby, but he didn’t enjoy as good a run through the race as Richard Hannon’s horse did, and he should be better suited by The Curragh.

High Definition is obviously a danger, he should improve from his Dante run, but that is more than factored into his odds, and he does have two lengths to find with Hurricane Lane on that run.

Lone Eagle is also interesting, he is progressive and he was impressive in landing the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood last time.  That was on soft ground and, if he can handle the better ground, he will be a player too, but, at the prices, I prefer Hurricane Lane.

HURRICANE LANE WON (ADV 13/2, SP 4/1)