Aidan O'Brien is set to field four contenders in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Sunday. This announcement was made via a statement on the Coolmore website on Wednesday afternoon, detailing Ballydoyle's strategy for the Classic.
O'Brien's lineup includes Los Angeles, Grosvenor Square, Euphoric, and The Euphrates. Ryan Moore, fresh off a win last year with Auguste Rodin, will ride Betfred Derby third-place finisher Los Angeles, aiming for consecutive victories. Declan McDonagh is set to ride Euphoric, while Wayne Lordan and Dylan Browne McMonagle will be on Grosvenor Square and The Euphrates, respectively.
Agenda and Chief Little Rock are expected to be withdrawn when declarations are made on Friday morning. O'Brien's entries will make up half of the eight-runner field. The remaining participants include Keeper's Heart, trained by Ger Lyons; David Menuisier's Sunway; Roger Varian's Matsuri; and James Fanshawe's Ambiente Friendly, who is the ante-post market leader after a strong second-place finish to City Of Troy at Epsom.
The Coolmore statement noted: "With declarations for this Sunday's renewal of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby due on Friday morning, Ballydoyle has confirmed that Los Angeles, Grosvenor Square, Euphoric, and The Euphrates will all likely take their place.
"Los Angeles will look to secure back-to-back victories in the Classic under Ryan Moore following Auguste Rodin's dominant win in 2023. Declan McDonagh will ensure a solid pace aboard Euphoric, with Wayne Lordan and Dylan Browne McMonagle riding the other pair.
"With the request for Ballydoyle to run four in the race and with four other likely starters, this should ensure a field size that supports the World Pool."
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