If the Northumberland Plate is one of the most exciting handicaps of the season, then the Irish Derby is undoubtedly one of the classiest.

The first three home in the Epsom Classic earlier this month lock horns again (which is extremely rare) and although Aidan O’Brien has won this four times in the last seven years, there will be plenty of punters opposing his potential sextet in the win index.

Names like Montjeu, Sinndar, Galileo and High Chapparal – who are now producing winners left, right and centre – outline the quality of the race and sellers of SP’s will be pleased to hear that seven of the last 10 jollies have trotted up. However, take note that two of the last four favourites have been soundly beaten.

Last year’s winner Soldier of Fortune annihilated the field by 9 lengths on very soft ground, which will be music to the ears of winning distance buyers. Very good horses do seem to excel in this race and seven of the last 10 winners have won the race by between 3&1/2 to 9 lengths. The last three winners of the Irish Derby who had run in the Epsom Derby had all been beaten on the Surrey Downs, which will give hope to those backing Tartan Bearer and Casual Conquest in match bets against the favourite New Approach.

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