2021 Irish Derby at the Curragh: the runners, the odds, the verdict

Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (3.45) at the Curragh is the next Classic to take centre stage. Aidan O'Brien has won three of the last four runnings, and he looks the man to beat again with High Definition heading the market.

3.45 Curragh Saturday: Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby racecard and betting

1 Arturo Toscanini

Unplaced in the Queen's Vase since second to Earlswood in the Gallinule; massive task here

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Emmet McNamara
Odds: 33-1

2 Earlswood

Looked a progressive middle-distance colt when beating Arturo Toscanini in the Gallinule

Trainer: Johnny Murtagh
Jockey: Ben Coen
Odds: 22-1

3 Fernando Vichi

Got this trip well when winning a Listed race at Leopardstown last time; big rise in class

Trainer: Donnacha O'Brien
Jockey: Gavin Ryan
Odds: 66-1

4 High Definition

Gave a laboured display when third in the Dante; sure to be a much more potent force now

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Odds: 7-4 favourite

5 Hurricane Lane

Loss of two front shoes a possible issue when third at Epsom; big chance on Dante form

Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
Odds: 5-1

6 Lone Eagle

Form of Sandown run reads really well at this stage; no stamina doubts after Goodwood win

Trainer: Martyn Meade
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Odds: 7-1

7 Mac Swiney

Irish 2,000 Guineas winner; stamina open to question on the evidence of Derby fourth

Trainer: Jim Bolger
Jockey: Kevin Manning
Odds: 9-1

8 Matchless

Listowel maiden winner at two; limitations exposed this term; likely supporting role now

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Michael Hussey
Odds: 150-1

9 Mojo Star

Derby runner-up is a maiden; fascinating rematch of Epsom rivalry with third and fourth

Trainer: Richard Hannon
Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Odds: 8-1

10 Van Gogh

Third in Irish 2,000 Guineas; never involved in Prix du Jockey Club on first run beyond a mile

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Colin Keane
Odds: 11-1

11 Wordsworth

Beat High Definition at two; now essentially a staying prospect judged on Queen's Vase run

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Seamie Heffernan
Odds: 12-1

Verdict

A strong field but High Definition can give Aidan O'Brien a 15th Irish Derby win by reversing Dante form with Hurricane Lane.

Read more on the 2021 Irish Derby:

Confirmed runners and riders for Saturday's Irish Derby at the Curragh

Frankie Dettori swoops for Lone Eagle ride as he seeks another Classic success

Rossa Ryan eager to return for biggest ride of career on Mojo Star (Members' Club)

Seamie Heffernan: staying power is High Definition's trump card in Irish Derby (Members' Club)

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horse racing only. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.