Zawraq Could Bypass Derby Trial

The Dermot Weld-trained, Sheikh Hamdan-owned Zawraq (Ire) (Shamardal), a general 10-1 for the G1 Epsom Derby on the back of an eye-catching score in the Listed 2000 Guineas Trial S. at Leopardstown Apr. 12, could skip Sunday's G3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial if the ground is too soft, Weld told At the Races. Zawraq's regular rider, Pat Smullen, will also be serving a suspension this weekend, and that could also affect the decision. 

“We will make a decision during the week about Zawraq,” Weld said. “We will see what the weather does and what the ground is like. He could run in the [G1] Irish [2000] Guineas [May 23]. There's been no decision yet.” 
Weld added, “The fact Pat can't ride him affects our thinking slightly, but the main thing is the weather. We'll see how soft the ground is and see how he works this week. He's been satisfying me at home, but he's very laid back.”