'Ranger' Tops O'Brien's Irish Derby Foursome

Trainer Aidan O'Brien looks to have four runners for the Duty Free Irish Derby (Ire-I), with Investec Epsom Derby (Eng-I) second- and third-place finishers Us Army Ranger and Idaho spearheading the quartet for the classic June 25 at the Curragh.

Seeking a 12th win in the €1.5 million contest, O'Brien could also be represented by Shogun and Port Douglas, both unplaced at Epsom June 4. 

 "Us Army Ranger and Idaho are the main two that we are thinking of for the Irish Derby at the moment," O'Brien said June 20 at Ballydoyle. "They both seem to have come out of Epsom well and I couldn't be happier really."

At Epsom, Us Army Ranger was held up near the back of the field by Ryan Moore while Port Douglas set a pace.

 

Us Army Ranger gradually made ground in the home straight and mounted a challenge a furlong out but ultimately was unable to reel in Harzand, who won by 1 1/2 lengths.

"We are very happy with Us Army Ranger," O'Brien said of the colt, who came into the race off a nose win over Port Douglas in the Chester Vase (Eng-III). "He was only a baby going into Epsom and we didn't know how he would take it so it was pitching him in big time and he was green and babyish in Epsom, but he has come forward and out of the race great.

"I was very impressed with Harzand; he's obviously a very strong stayer and a big honest horse who really puts his head out and gallops all the way to the line."

Idaho under Seamie Heffernan led two furlongs out and stayed on resolutely for third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths.

 

"Idaho ran a real big race at Epsom and you would have to say he progressed lovely from Leopardstown (where he placed in two group III races prior the Epsom Derby) and we are very happy with him since. 

"Shogun and Port Douglas are in the Derby as well and both could probably go there also but we'll see closer to the weekend what else lines up."

Us Army Ranger, Idaho, and Port Douglas are sons of Galileo, and Shogun is by Fastnet Rock.