Sea Ducor should prove tough to beat in the Bord Na Mona Recycling Apprentice Derby on the opening day of the Curragh’s three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby weekend.
Trained by Arthur Moore, the five-year-old boasts rock-solid hurdle form and a rating of 135 in that sphere. And he comes into todays’ race off a flat mark of just 66, with the experienced Joey Sheridan set to take the ride.
A Sea The Moon gelding, Sea Ducor earned an initial flat mark of 61 following three maiden runs and took advantage on his handicap debut at Navan in October 2019 – his last run on the level.
Runner-up to impressive winner Aspire Tower on his hurdling bow in Punchestown five weeks later, he was then off the track for a year but returned with a bang landing a novice at Gowran Park – beating the Willie Mullins-trained Galopin Des Champs
His victim, of course, went on to win the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham off a mark of 142 and stepped-up again to win the Grade 1 Daily Mirror Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
Sea Ducor was last seen when chasing home Master MacShee in a competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.
Potentially thrown-in here, Sea Ducor should take plenty of beating before reverting to his hurdling career with the Guinness Galway Hurdle a likely next target.
Later, recent Sligo maiden winner Lord Park, whose last season form includes creditable efforts behind the likes of Baron Samedi, Sonnyboyliston and Thundering Nights, has solid each-way claims in the TRI Equestrian Handicap.
The opening two-year-old maidens will make fascinating viewing, with sisters of Dawn Approach, Minding and Alpha Centauri in the line-up for the seven-furlong fillies maiden.
And the one with experience, Jessica Harrington’s Discoveries, a half-sister to Alpine Star and a full-sister to Alpha Centauri, makes most appeal following her pleasing debut fourth to Juncture at Leopardstown, when she finished alongside subsequent winner Seisai.
Peter O’Hehir's tips
4.30.Cowboy Justice
5.00.Tuesday
5.30.Hightimeyouwon
6.00.Sea Ducor (Nap)
6.35.Safecracker
7.10.Lord Park
7.45.Big Island
Next Best
4.30.Beauty Inspire
5.00.Discoveries
5.30.Mudawy
6.00.Powerful Kieran
6.35.Interpretation
7.10.Bright Idea
7.45.Devious Dreamer
Double : Sea Ducor and Lord Park.
O’Hehir’s Longshot : Magic Chegaga (7.45.)
