Track Conditions for Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby 2011 Likely Dry

With only a 40 percent chance of light rain late Sunday, the track conditions at Curragh are expected to be mostly dry for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby 2011.

That’s not good news for Dunboyne Express (listed with 20/1 odds heading into Saturday morning), the one horse that would have the best advantage with soft conditions.

"We were disappointed with him in the Irish Guineas," the colt's regular jockey, Declan McDonogh, said.

"The main reason for it, we think, was because of the ground.

"It was pretty firm on the day and he possibly doesn't act on it. If he stays and it rains he could run into the money.

"There's no point saying he's going to be in the first three.

"We are going into the unknown a little, but he does handle soft ground if it turned out that way.

"He's in great form. I worked him on Tuesday morning on the grass.

"It was on the easy side and he felt great and handled it very well."

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby odds for Sunday’s race had Carlton House still the favorite at 5/4 while Treasure Beach odds have gotten longer at 3/1.  Seville came in at 6/1.  Native Khan was at 8/1.  Memphis Tennessee was listed with 12/1 odds.  Roderic O’Connor was also at 12/1.  Notable Graduate came in as the long shot at 25/1.

- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com