Vital decisions on the make up of the cross-channel challenge to Galileo in Sunday's Budweiser Irish Derby are being delayed until the last possible moment.
Despite the Curragh management reporting "perfectly safe" going yesterday, a spokesperson for Golan's trainer Michael Stoute said: "It will be a late decision on Friday morning on whether or not Golan will run. If he does, he will fly to Ireland on Saturday."
Barry Hills has committed the Epsom fourth Mr Combustible to another crack at Galileo but his other entry, Perfect Sunday, has an alternative option in the Grand Prix de St Cloud. "It is still open as to where he will run," said a stable spokesman.
As for the Godolophin possible, Tobougg, Simon Crisford said: "A decision could go right to the wire. We have a combination of factors to consider."
A total of 4.8mm fell in less than an hour on the Curragh yesterday evening. Manager Jason Morris described the ground on the last half of the Derby course as "good" and a band of rain is forecast for tonight. "I am confident we will have good ground for the Derby," Morris said.
Leopardstown's big July handicap will be sponsored this season by Marlborough International who take over from Golden Pages. The big race, which has been dominated in recent years by Jim Bolger, will be worth £70,000 and will be run on July 21st.
Mick Kinane warmed up for the weekend with an easy success on the Charles O'Brien-trained Kalamunda in the fillies maiden at Leopardstown last night.
The 2 to 1 favourite was switched in the straight to run out an easy winner from Lindissima and O'Brien, who also bred the filly, is now on the search for black type.
"Black type is very important for a filly like that - especially when I have the dam!" O'Brien said. "I thought she would win at Roscommon on her debut but the heavens opened. It tried to do the same here but it didn't make much difference to the ground."
