North Light in fine fettle ahead of Derby

North Light' trainer Michael Stoute has said his charge has had a stress-free build-up to tomorrow's Budweiser Derby at the Curragh…

North Light' trainer Michael Stoute has said his charge has had a stress-free build-up to tomorrow's Budweiser Derby at the Curragh.

The Vodafone Derby winner is 4-5 to beat his 10 rivals and complete a Derby double tomorrow after his one-and-a-half-length success at Epsom earlier in the month.

Preparations for the race have gone to plan, which contrasts with his build-up to Epsom when North Light was kept in isolation due to a bug that was doing the rounds.

Stoute will be trying for his fourth Derby win after Shergar (1981), Shareef Dancer (1983) and Shahrastani (1986) - and he is satisfied with North Light going into the Group One contest.

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North Light will be renewing rivalry with Epsom second Rule Of Law, third Let The Lion Roar and fourth Percussionist at the Curragh.

The son of Danehill also beat Rule Of Law and Let The Lion Roar when he won the totesport Dante Stakes at York in May.

Should he confirm the form and add another Classic to his tally, North Light would be giving jockey Kieren Fallon a first win in the Derby.
Budweiser Irish Derby betting:
 
Paddy Power: 4-5 North Light, 6-1 Let The Lion Roar, Rule Of Law, 8-1 Grey Swallow, Percussionist, 12-1 Day Flight, 22-1 Five Dynasties, 33-1 Moscow Ballet, Cobra, 66-1 Book Of Kings, 100-1 Tycoon.