SEAMUS HEFFERNAN would love to add the Investec Derby to his impressive list of big-race victories when he teams up with the well-named Fame And Glory at Epsom on Saturday.
He partnered the unbeaten colt in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial and keeps the ride as Ballydoyle’s stable jockey Johnny Murtagh has opted for Rip Van Winkle from Aidan O’Brien’s six entries.
And Heffernan, who has won the last two runnings of the Irish Derby, as well as two Irish 1,000 Guineas and an Irish St Leger on Ballydoyle horses, is well-placed to assess Fame And Glory.
He also won the Derrinstown at Leopardstown on O’Brien’s two Derby winners, Galileo and High Chaparral, in 2001 and 2002.
“You’d have to be impressed with what he has done so far,” said Heffernan. “I was impressed with him at Leopardstown, he quickened up and won well and I’m really looking forward to riding him. The Epsom Derby is a big notch on anyone’s CV. That and the Arc are the two races I’d like to win.
“The Guineas is normally the best trial but they do have to get the trip, it’s a big day and the horses have to take in a lot. There’s no doubt about Fame And Glory’s temperament though, that’s 100 per cent,” he added.
Murtagh’s decision has seen punters back Rip Van Winkle to 4-1 from 9-2 with Paddy Power and 7-2 from 5-1 with Victor Chandler.
Paddy Power, spokesman for the Irish firm, said: “Once it was announced which horse Johnny Murtagh would ride in the Derby, support for Rip Van Winkle has been gaining momentum, while interest in Fame And Glory has slackened and that horse has been eased to 4-1 from 7-2.”
Richard Hughes is likely to be on fast-finishing Chester Vase, runner-up Masterofthehorse for the O’Brien team.
“It’s not 100 per cent definite yet but if it is that one I’d be very pleased,” he said.
“I think Chester was more of a learning curve, I think the aim was to get him settled, that’s the way I read the race. He flew home and he finished real strong and it was a good education before Epsom.
“You’d imagine there’d be a good pace. With a doubt about the Guineas winner (Sea The Stars) staying I’m sure Aidan has that covered, the horse that won at Lingfield looks like he’ll stay all day (Age Of Aquarius), he’ll be handy but you never know, I’ll do what I’m told.”
Neil Callan will seek the advice of Lester Piggott as part of his preparation for South Easter, who is trained by the nine-times Derby-winning jockey’s son-in-law William Haggas.
Derby betting:(Ladbrokes): 5-2 Sea The Stars, 7-2 Fame And Glory, 4-1 Rip Van Winkle, 7-1 Gan Amhras, 8-1 Black Bear Island, 14-1 Masterofthehorse, 20-1 Crowded House, Kite Wood, 25-1 bar.
