WASHINGTON IRVING will have the benefit of a pacemaker in Sunday's Derrinstown Derby Trial at Leopardstown when the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt tries to book his Epsom ticket.
The Montjeu horse is as low as 12 to 1 in ante-post Derby betting despite having yet to win a race.
"We think he has improved for his first run of the season and he will have a pacemaker on Sunday. That will show us if he is good enough or not," said O'Brien.
A total of 13 horses remain in the race including three others from the Ballydoyle yard. Dermot Weld has three including course winner Winchester while John Oxx's highly regarded filly, Katiyra, features among the Derby Trial entries as well as in the 1,000 Guineas Trial on the same card.
The going at the Dublin track is good to firm; conditions that should suit the decent bumper performer Genuine Pearl who makes his jumping debut this evening. The ground could also give Dbest the edge over Wishwillow Lord in the conditions chase.
