2024 Irish Derby preview: runner-by-runner guide for the Curragh feature

Another Classic awaits as the Irish Derby takes place at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday. Will the British land another Irish Classic this year or will Aidan O’Brien have something up his sleeve? Read our runner-by-runner guide below.

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1. Ambiente Friendly

Won the Derby Trial at Lingfield before finishing second to City of Troy in the Derby at Epsom last time. Looks sure to go well again but Rab Havlin’s lack of track experience and a different race tactically makes life difficult. The form pick nonetheless.

2. Euphoric

Expensive colt who won a Navan maiden and was second to Los Angeles in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown in May. Utilised as a pacemaker in the Derby at Epsom last time and might be used as one again here.

3. Grosvenor Square

Won a maiden at Galway and the Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown last year. Disappointed when third behind Hidden Law in the Chester Vase last time but it’s still early days for this horse and he’s not to be discounted.

4. Keeper’s Heart

Won a Dundalk maiden last year and had no excuses when fourth in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown behind Los Angeles. Had the run of the race when a poor third in Listed company last time and lacks the gears to win this.

5. Los Angeles (Free Tip)

Won the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud last year and was workmanlike when winning the Derby Trial at Leopardstown in May. Ran keen but still finished to City of Troy in the Derby at Epsom when last seen and Ryan Moore is booked. Should win.

6. Matsuri

Created a huge impression when bolting up at Leicester over 1m2f last time, travelling like a very classy horse and went on to quicken away in the style of a good one. Could be the biggest danger to Los Angeles.

7. Sunway

Classy colt who won the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud last year and didn’t get much luck in running in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly last time. Outside chance.

8. The Euphrates

Won a maiden at Gowran last year and was only a moderate fifth behind Calandagan in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot when last seen. Will be outclassed in this.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

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