Harzand Looks Set for Classic Double Bid

Seventeen horses have swept the Epsom Derby/Irish Derby double, and this year's Epsom Derby (Eng-I) victor Harzand looks set for a bid to become the latest June 25 in the Irish Derby (Ire-I) at the Curragh.

The classic double was most recently completed by Australia in 2014, with the first being Orby in 1907.

"Harzand had an easy week after Epsom as he had a tough race there, but he is a very courageous horse and we are more happy with him now," said trainer Dermot Weld, who will be seeking a third Irish Derby win. "I was pleased with the way he worked this morning (June 21).

"He is a horse who has always liked an ease in the ground, and I think that the ground should be all right following some showers."

Harzand was a first Epsom Derby winner for Weld and jockey Pat Smullen, and the rider is looking forward to the classic double bid with the son of Sea The Stars.

"The decision will ultimately come down to the boss (Weld) and I've no doubt he will make the right call, but if the ground is safe I'm sure he will take his chance," Smullen said.

"If it's good, or on the easy side of good, it will be ideal. If it was even slower than that we would be delighted."

Smullen said of the early 6-4 favorite: "He has been in good form since Epsom and we are all very happy with him."

Harzand, who held back Us Army Ranger by 1 1/2 lengths in the June 4 Epsom Derby, is a homebred of the Aga Khan, who previously enjoyed Epsom Derby/Irish Derby doubles with Sinndar (2000), Kahyasi (1988), and Shergar (1981).

Trainer Aidan O'Brien, who will seek a 12th Irish Derby triumph, will likely send  US Army Ranger and third-place finisher Idaho. Along with Harzand, they are among 11 runners remaining eligible for the Irish classic at the five-day stage Tuesday, and among six possible for O'Brien.

Trainer Ed Dunlop's Red Verdon was supplemented for the Epsom Derby at a cost of £75,000, and owner Ron Arculli could spend €100,000 to give the colt another chance of winning a classic as he did not get a clear run Epsom but finished strongly for sixth.

Dunlop said: "Red Verdon worked nicely on Friday. The owner is keen to run and we will see what the ground is like. We will take a view on Tuesday morning but it's a possibility he'll be supplemented."