Who wins the 2022 Irish Derby? Assessing the key Curragh Classic contenders

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (3.45 Curragh) is the big race on Saturday and became even more intriguing when Cazoo Oaks winner Tuesday was supplemented for the race at a cost of €75,000. Here we assess her claims along with four other leading contenders . . .

Westover

Form 122-13

Strengths Arrives on the back of a career-best third in the Derby, recording a Racing Post Rating of 121 – 4lb higher than Tuesday's figure in the Oaks. He ran better than the bare result and looks a strong stayer at this trip.

Weaknesses A change in rider can be looked at two ways with three-time champion Colin Keane taking over but no denying previous jockey Rob Hornby knows the horse much better, having ridden Westover on four of his five starts. First time travelling outside of Britain.

Odds 6-4 favourite

What they say Ralph Beckett, trainer

"Westover has been training well since Epsom. I'm happy with his condition and his work. He goes to the Curragh on Saturday with all our ducks in a row. Ground and track will certainly suit him."

Tuesday

Form 2-1321

Strengths Already a Classic winner having won the Oaks on her most recent start this month. Has track experience at the Curragh, finishing second on debut in a 7f maiden last year and filling the same spot in the Irish 1,000 Guineas prior to her Epsom heroics. A proven stayer, versatile regarding ground and the mount of Ryan Moore.

Weaknesses Not taking the most obvious route from the Oaks with Balanchine the last filly to win this race in 1994. Closely matched with Westover on RPRs at the weights (in receipt of 3lb).

Odds 7-4 second favourite

What they say Aidan O'Brien, trainer

"I have said all along she is only going to get better with time given her age but it is one thing saying it, it is another thing doing it on the track. She has done it. Physically every week she has just got stronger and everybody involved with her has been very happy."

Changingoftheguard

Form 452-1151

Strengths Improving with racing and no stamina concerns. A narrow winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last week and has scored on good to firm and soft ground.

Weaknesses Not guaranteed to run with connections set to decide on his participation in the coming days. Quick turnaround of eight days – and three runs in three weeks – would be a concern if he does line up. Has to reverse Derby form with Westover.

Odds 10-1

What they say Aidan O'Brien, trainer

"I'm not sure yet who will join Tuesday in the race. We've left in Changingoftheguard and Stone Age. But the plan at the moment is for Stone Age to go to the Eclipse."

Piz Badile

Form 12-10

Strengths Ballysax form and winning RPR of 116 puts him firmly in contention. Open to more improvement after just four starts.

Weaknesses Has to bounce back from disappointing run in the Derby, with connections feeling he wasn't suited to the track. This will prove a better guide as to whether he stays 1m4f.

Piz Badile: Irish Derby contender for Donnacha O'BrienCredit: Caroline Norris

Odds 10-1

What they say Donnacha O'Brien, trainer

"He’s come out of Epsom well. I think the Curragh will suit him better, it’s a bit more of an even track. We didn’t really get a proper feeler for a mile and a half at Epsom because he didn’t seem to run his race."

Lionel

Form 2-31

Strengths Progressed with each start and plenty of stamina in pedigree. This galloping track should really suit and extra two weeks between runs could prove an edge over rivals.

Weaknesses Needs to take form to next level as yet to be tested in Group company. Has the least experience of the market principals.

Odds 10-1

What they say David Menuisier, trainer (after Goodwood win)

"I think he's a very good horse. He'll handle any ground, but I wouldn't want it to be too quick on unconventional tracks; he'd be fine on a nice big galloping track on quicker ground. He's a mile-and-a-half, mile-and-a-half-plus horse. The St Leger is a good possibility and he'll stay well in time, but he's got pace – I'd be happy taking him to the Irish Derby next."

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (3.45 Curragh, Saturday)

Paddy Power: 6-4 Westover, 7-4 Tuesday, 7 Stone Age, 8 Hannibal Barca, 10 Changingoftheguard, Lionel, Piz Badile, 16 Buckaroo 25 bar

Read more on the Irish Derby . . .

'Physically she's getting stronger every day' – Tuesday goes for Irish Derby

Juddmonte say 'nothing malicious' behind Rob Hornby being replaced on Westover

'The Curragh will suit him better' – Piz Badile on course for Irish Derby

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