Johnny Ward: my three best bets for Saturday's horse racing
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Fri 14 Jul 2023
Listowel's races on Saturday honour Pat Smullen and John Thomas , while the Cazoo Derby title fittingly remembers Lester Piggott. It serves as a reminder that Lester had a good, long life and he would want us to celebrate it.
The Derby, like Friday's Oaks, is really intriguing. I expect Aidan O'Brien's quest for a Classic this year to extend to Irish Derby weekend, which is a rare thing nowadays, but competition is good.
Here are three in his homeland. Do check out our On The Wire Derby preview, below, if only for Dukey's anecdote near the finish.
Watch our On The Wire Oaks & Derby podcast with Johnny Ward, Brendan Duke, Danny Archer and special guest Joseph O'Brien
1.15 Tramore: He's Leading Me On
Finished: PU SP: 15/8
There are probably a fair few owners who can relate to the naming of this horse! However, Lesley Young can tell this gelding's bill payers, Bryan Meade and Conor Mohan, that it'll be worth it.
He ran a lovely race at Punchestown in one division of a handicap, which was run at a nearly identical time as the other division, in which Golden Sandbanks was fifth.
However, the winner was thrown in and He’s Leading Me On was a revelation in how he travelled in the tongue-tie. A similar performance might do here but he’s capable of better again.
1.40 Listowel: Talking Tough
Finished: 6thSP: 4/1
Mickey The Steel's claims here are patently outstanding but the value lies each-way with the Mulvany runner.
He never had a chance at Fairyhouse last time, on his return, but he ran a lovely race up the inner under his 7lb claimer.
Declan McDonogh takes over and Talkin Tough is 3lb lower than when not only a close third at Galway in September, but subsequently second here. He's ground-versatile and looks appealing to at least make the frame.
2.15 Listowel: Warren Beach
Finished: 1stSP: 1/3
Warren Beach has to concede Perfect Thunder 3lb here, but he's rated 4lb better than the filly and, on paper, he should win. Moreover, he was impressive at Gowran last time, particularly so given how he finished the race. He will be hard to beat.
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