Dermot Weld is still noncommittal about a G1 Investec Epsom Derby bid for his promising colt Harzand (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The Aga Khan homebred is unbeaten in two starts this year and looked a smart prospect last time at Leopardstown when accounting for 'TDN Rising Star' Idaho (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G3 Ballysax S. Apr 10. The runner-up franked that form with a solid third-place effort behind Moonlight Magic (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) at Leopardstown on Sunday, but Weld has concerns over potential fast ground for Harzand.
“He's a nice horse but he does want ease in the ground,” said Weld. “I'm not going to say he won't run in the Derby, but I see him as a horse for the second part of the year. I possibly see him more of an [G1] Irish Derby horse. The form of his win looks good and he's very well in himself.”
Weld is looking beyond the Derbies and feels Harzand could be even more suited to a different Classic. “He's a big, galloping horse and Pat [Smullen] said after his last run that he might be the type for the [G1] English St Leger,” said Weld.
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