Exciting O'Brien-trained Derby hopeful Carlisle Bay lines up in Group 3 company

3.39 Leopardstown
Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3) | 1m1f | 2yo | RTV

There is only one place to start in this Group 3 and that is with Carlisle Bay, a 33-1 shot for next year's Investec Derby after making a winning start to his career in a Tipperary maiden this month.

That was the same maiden subsequent Ascot Gold Cup winner Leading Light landed in 2012 and Carlisle Bay looked all class. The beautifully bred son of Galileo's dam is a half-sister to the smart Alluringly and he made most of the running under a positive ride from Michael Hussey.

It is hard to know what to make of the form of that contest as the runner-up was a 400-1 shot and the seventh and eighth home have both been stuffed since. Cleveland, a stablemate of Carlisle Bay who was sent off joint-favourite, never went a yard in the early stages and just plugged on at the one pace into fifth.

Aidan O'Brien won this with a thorough stayer in 2017 in the shape of Flag Of Honour and Carlisle Bay looks a similar type.

Jim Bolger's representatives are always to be feared in the Eyrefield. The trainer has sent out the winner in four of the last six years, most recently with Guaranteed in 2018, and is represented by the consistent Flying Visit.

The 93-rated colt has been runner-up on three occasions since winning a Listowel maiden by six lengths and another bold showing looks in store.

Jessica Harrington is double-handed with Laelaps and Los Andes and the fact that the title-chasing Shane Foley has picked the latter speaks volumes.

Do not be surprised to see an improved showing from Wuqood either. The Gowran Park maiden winner was too keen in the Beresford when only seventh to next year's Derby favourite High Definition. He is better than that and could prove that here.

Reve De Vol was two places ahead of Wuqood in that Beresford Stakes, but he seemed to run his race there and had no excuses. That said, he is rated 101 so is entitled to lots of respect with Colin Keane back in the saddle.

Rebel Step is another to consider and has already beaten San Martino, but Wuqood might just be the value option against the likely favourite Carlisle Bay.

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Carlisle Bay and San Martino
Carlisle Bay is a very lazy horse at home and Michael Hussey gave him a lovely ride at Tipperary. He's still babyish, but progressing nicely and we think middle distances will suit him well as a three-year-old next season. San Martino is progressing well too and we think he will appreciate further than a mile.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Laelaps and Los Andes
Laelaps was very good last time on heavy ground at Navan. He stayed well up the hill and showed a good attitude. Los Andes got bogged down on the very heavy ground at Roscommon but I actually don't think he was quite himself there. He's had a nice break since then and we think we have him back to himself now. I've always thought he was a very nice horse.

Andrew Slattery, trainer of Rebel Step
Like most of the trainers with runners here, we're only guessing with regard to the trip but he certainly wasn't stopping when he won at Thurles. He was going away from them again at the line. He's in top shape and we think he's come forward since Thurles. We couldn't be any happier with him.

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