Hobbs On Target For Curragh Test

G1 Epsom Derby runner up Jack Hobbs (GB) (Halling) is a short priced favorite to go one place better in the G1 Irish Derby at The Curragh this Saturday and his trainer John Gosden has reported the colt to have come through his last piece of work in pleasing fashion. “He worked Wednesday morning with William Buick on him and we were happy with him and the horse seems in good order”, said Gosden who is seeking his first win in the race. “We would appreciate a shower or two and something close to good ground but we are pleased with the horse and we’ll be heading over, all being well between now and the weekend,” added Gosden. The trainer feels the fair, galloping Curragh track will be ideal for Jack Hobbs but he is taking nothing for granted when it comes to the opposition. Gosden commented, “He handled Epsom surprisingly well for a tall, rangy, horse and we hope the Curragh would suit him better. We fully respect the quality of the field which includes an G1 Oaks winner and a G1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner if she runs, but it’s not a race I got greatly involved with in the past, so it would be extremely nice to win.” 

A top class supporting weekend card ensures there will be no shortage of British challengers at The Curragh including Ralph Beckett who hopes to run Secret Gesture (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Pretty Polly S. on Sunday. The filly was last seen winning the G2 Middleton S.at York and her trainer commented, “She has come out of her York win in good shape and the Pretty Polly is a race we felt would suit her and we think the Curragh is a track that will be right up her street. It was a good performance at York and if she produces that again she will be in the mix.”