Recent Epsom Derby trials have lead to many lofty reputations being dented but one horse who remains in the Derby mix is Zawraq (Ire) (Shamardal). The unbeaten Dermot Weld trained colt is set to bypass the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh May 23 in favor of a tilt at the Epsom Classic June 6. Hamdan Al Maktoum's homebred went into many notebooks as one to watch when beating Sir Isaac Newton (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in a late- season juvenile maiden at Leopardstown last October. He reappeared in good shape when readily accounting for Endless Drama (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in the Listed 2000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown Apr.12 before a minor injury curtailed his training regime.
Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum commented, “I would say at this stage we'd be looking at going straight to the Derby, all being well. I've got to confirm with Sheikh Hamdan, but I know the trainer is keen to head straight to the Epsom.” Gold continued, “We don't know if he's going to stay, but the race still looks open at the moment so we'd love to give it a go anyway. He missed one gallop when he just knocked a joint in his box, but he's been working away this week and he's fine. Everyone's happy with him, so it's fingers crossed.”
Dermot Weld also gives one of his established stable stars his seasonal debut this weekend when Forgotten Rules (Ire) (Nayef) tackles the G3 Vintage Crop S. at Navan on Sunday. Last seen when winning the G2 Long Distance Cup at Ascot on British Champions Day on just his third racecourse start, the 5-year-old faces a tough field on Sunday in a bid to maintain his perfect record. Speaking to At The Races Weld said, “I'm delighted with him, he's done very well. He's still a big, immature horse, but he's improving all the time. He has it all to do [with a penalty], but it's the ideal race to start off in.”
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