WILLIAM HAGGAS said yesterday his Epsom Derby winner Shaamit was "very likely" to run in the Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh next Sunday.

The trainer was pleased with the colt's work in an early-morning gallop on Saturday and is set to supplement him today for the £600,000 Irish classic.

"He worked fine and I am very happy with him," Haggas said. "No decision has been made and I haven't spoken to the owner yet but it is looking very likely that he will run in the Irish Derby. I'm told that he was very lucky to win the Derby but we shall see."

Connections will need to pay £60,000 to add the colt to the Curragh line-up at today's supplementary stage.

Shaamit became only the third horse this century to win the Epsom Derby on his seasonal reappearance when he scored by a length and a quarter from Dushyantor a fortnight ago.

The runner-up was widely, seen as unlucky in running and is set to re-oppose at the Curragh, along with fourth-placed Alhaarth.

Alhaarth may have the assistance of blinkers when he attempts to salvage a tattered reputation. Having expressed himself satisfied with Alhaarth's staying-on fifth to Shaamit at Epsom, trainer Dick Hern revealed yesterday morning: "There is a strong possibility that Alhaarth could wear blinkers at the Curragh. He is a very relaxed and laid back horse, and blinkers may help him to concentrate. We don't have to decide until we declare on Friday and I will be talking to Sheikh Hamdan about it."

Hern believes the flatter terrain at the Curragh will suit Alhaarth better than Epsom's ups and downs. "He didn't come down the hill well, which surprised me as he has a good action," he added.

Dr Massini, ante-post favourite for the Epsom Derby until injury forced him to be scratched two days before the race, will also be out to deny Shaamit.

"We are hoping to run him," trainer Michael Stoute said yesterday. "He has been sound for quite a while and we have been trying to get him to the Curragh."