Punters' pal Magnier insists on five in Irish Derby to benefit each-way bettors

In an unusual move Coolmore supremo John Magnier came to the rescue of each-way punters by declaring Il Paradiso for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby to guarantee a field of eight.

Irish Derby card and betting

Magnier was keen to ensure enough horses went to post for bookmakers to pay three places each-way on the Curragh Classic. Il Paradiso, who got off the mark at the fourth attempt last time in a Leopardstown maiden, was the surprise package.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "It was the plan to run four in the race – Anthony Van Dyck, Broome, Sovereign and Norway – but the boss decided for the sake of the race we would also declare Il Paradiso so there would be eight runners and therefore [three places for] each-way betting."

Il Paradiso and Donnacha O'Brien defeat stablemate Harpo Marx and Seamie Heffernan at Leopardstown in MayCredit: Caroline Norris

The flashy colt, who will wear cheekpieces for the first time, will be ridden by Wayne Lordan.

O'Brien saddled Galileo, High Chaparral, Camelot and Australia to win both the Epsom and Irish Derby, and he will be hoping Anthony Van Dyck can join those elite athletes on Saturday.

While the trainer will be bidding for a 13th win in the race, Anthony Van Dyck's rider Ryan Moore will be seeking his first.

Donnacha O'Brien, successful on Latrobe last year, partners Broome while Seamie Heffernan, who has won the race three times and who rode Anthony Van Dyck to victory at Epsom, rides Norway. Padraig Beggy partners Sovereign.

Get exclusive insight from the track and live tipping with our up-to-the-minute service on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app