O'Brien's Irving looks the pick

IRISH PREVIEW: BOTH GUINEAS Trials may have the Group Three status at Leopardstown tomorrow but there will also be plenty of…

IRISH PREVIEW:BOTH GUINEAS Trials may have the Group Three status at Leopardstown tomorrow but there will also be plenty of classic interest in the 10-furlong conditions race and the reappearance of what may be Aidan O'Brien's main Derby hope, Washington Irving.

The Montjeu colt is a general 16 to 1 fourth favourite for Epsom already despite having finished fourth on his only start in an end-of-season maiden at the Curragh last October.

John Murtagh teams up with Washington Irving on the back on some reportedly impressive home work and considering he gets weight from three of his five opponents those classic odds will look pretty ridiculous if the O'Brien horse doesn't win.

Murtagh is on Greek Mythology in the 2,000 Trial but Famous Name looks a better option in the conditions to pay a compliment to Jupiter Pluvius while the unexposed Psalm may prove a danger to the double Group One winner Saoirse Abu in the 1,000 Trial.

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Famous Name's stable companion Provincial also carries the Juddmonte colours in the three runner conditions race at Limerick today and although he only narrowly squeaked a Roscommon maiden last year he is highly rated by the Dermot Weld team.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column