Homesman advances his Irish Derby claims in the Gallinule

It's been some time since the Airlie Stud-sponsored Gallinule Stakes was a major trial for the Irish Derby.

Indeed, no horse has completed the Gallinule-Irish Derby double since Assert in 1982. While this year's winner Homesman looks by no means the best middle-distance colt at Ballydoyle, he does hold the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby entry, and further down the line he strikes as a candidate for the St Leger.

The giant son of War Front has an impressive stride and the capacity to battle too, as he showed under Ryan Moore to have his head in front on the line, beating the progressive Born To Play by a head.